Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

This is an extremely versatile DVD by renowned yoga instructor Barbara Benagh. She has combined short posture segments into a series of 20 different practices addressing a variety of stress-related conditions, from energizing after a long day to coping with aches and pains to relieving various digestive conditions. The practices, which are slow-moving with a mostly restorative focus, range in length from 15 to 60 minutes, making it easy to fit yoga into even your busiest days. Barbara frequently uses props; in addition to a yoga mat, I would recommend that you have at least one blanket on hand (preferably 2-3), with pillows and an eye bag being optional.

A breakdown of the DVD is listed below. The headings are the items found on the main menu, and the bullets indicate submenu items. The times for each practice are given as they appear on-screen, but I've added times in parentheses based on my own review. I've included brief notes on some of the practices that I have already tried; I plan to edit this review with additional notes as I use more of the vast material on this DVD.

Discussion of Meditation by HH The Dalai Lama (35)
Interview with Barbara (22)
Beginning and Ending Your Day
* Begin Your Day Slowly, 25m (24.5)
* Wake Up! 60m (58) - nice, slow flow combining seated breath work, standing postures, and seated forward bends
* Evening Revival, 40m (35.5)
* Letting Go of the Day, 40m (37)
* Insomnia Series, 35m (36)
Neck, Shoulder, and Back Issues
* Easing Neck & Shoulder Tension, passive, 20m (19) - a series of mostly reclined postures allowing passive relaxation of the neck and shoulders
* Easing Neck & Shoulder Tension, active, extended, 30m (29) - more active stretches of the neck and shoulders from both seated and standing positions; ends with legs up the wall pose
* Lower Back Tension, 35m (35.5)
* Hip Pain (SI Joint), 25m (36) - a series of hip-opening postures
* Tension Headaches, 45m (44) - a combination of sequences from both the passive and the active neck and shoulders segments above; ends with a lengthy relaxation
Easing Your Mind
* Breathing Exercises to Calm the Mind, 15m (15)
* Restorative Poses for Relaxation, 15m (13.5) - three simple postures to facilitate deep relaxation
* Deep Rest, 20m (18) - reclined breathing combined with a lengthy relaxation segment
* Mood Uplift, 30m (32.5)
* Serenity in Stillness, 35m (40.5)
* Anxiety Relief, 50m (40)
Stomach and Digestion Issues
* Constipation, 25m (27) - gentle prone postures to stimulate the stomach combined with standing and seated twists; ends with legs up the wall pose
* Improve Digestion, 30m (28.5)
* IBS, 30m (26.5)
* Diarrhea & Indigestion, 30m (25)
Credits

One final important note is that not all of the practices end with the traditional relaxation pose, or savasana: some conclude with legs up the wall pose, others end in a relaxed seated position. Overall, this is an excellent yoga DVD well-suited to a wide range of practioners, from those fairly new to yoga to more experienced yoginis like myself. Highly recommended!



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Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older