Nature is a constant reminder of the law of change. Change is happening everywhere, to everyone, all the time. Everything is in a state of becoming something new. And yet, despite its inevitability, change isn’t always easy…

Spring is a season of profound transformation—a time of renewal and rebirth. Here in the rolling hills of Monferrato, I see it unfolding before my eyes. The birds are singing, the days are stretching longer, and the vibrant energy of the season stirs my restless mind.

This powerful force is essential for life. It allows seeds to break open, push through the cold earth, and finally bloom. 

In our modern world, where screens often dominate our attention, the magic of transformation can feel distant. But this energy isn’t just happening around us—it’s happening within us!

As the seasons shift, we have an opportunity to support our bodies in releasing the stagnation and toxins accumulated over the winter. Just as we engage in spring cleaning for our homes, we can also embrace an internal cleanse—honoring the one space we inhabit every moment: our bodies.

This is the perfect time to gently stimulate the liver through restorative yoga while offering it a break with mindful eating. It’s no coincidence that many cultures and traditions, such as Lent, include fasting at this time of year. Fasting is more than just a physical reset—it’s a way to step back from constant sensory stimulation, creating space for greater clarity and presence.

The key to navigating change with grace is to soothe the nervous system, cultivating inner steadiness amidst life’s inevitable fluctuations.

To support this seasonal transition, here’s a restorative yoga posture that stimulates the liver, stomach, and pancreas while encouraging a deep withdrawal of the senses—a practice known in yogic philosophy as Pratyahara.

PARSVA SETU BANDHASANA (20 minutes)


Props Needed:

  • A wall
  • A yoga mat
  • A bolster
  • Two blocks
  • A strap
  • Three blankets
  • An eye pillow


Contraindications:

  • Pregnancy
  • Menstruations
  • Sinusitis or cold
  • Gastroesophageal reflux
  • Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis
  • Chronic neck pain or injuries
  • Retinal detachment
  • Glaucoma


Set up:

  • Position your yoga mat vertically against a wall.
  • Place two neatly folded rectangular blankets horizontally at the top of your yoga mat. These will provide gentle elevation for the upper body, encouraging an open chest.
  • Directly below the blankets, position a bolster lengthwise, ensuring it is flush with the lower edge of the blankets. 
  • At the base of the bolster, place two yoga blocks against the wall to support your heels.
  • Before lying down, place a yoga strap under the bolster to wrap around your upper thighs.This will stabilize the legs and will help create a sense of grounding and alignment throughout the pose.
  • Gently lie back onto the bolster and blankets, ensuring that the back of your head rests comfortably on the yoga mat.
  • Allow your shoulders to softly drop off the blankets without touching the floor. This prevents excessive pressure on the seventh cervical vertebra (C7, at the base of the neck), reducing strain and facilitating easier breathing.
  • Ensure your diaphragm is centered on the blankets to enhance chest expansion and support.
  • Extend your legs and rotate your shins inward so that your big toes touch while keeping your feet firmly in contact with the wall.
  • Secure the strap firmly over your body, ensuring it lies across the greater trochanters (the bony points at the top of your thighs near the hips). This belt helps your pelvis relax fully. For an added sense of grounding, you may place a sandbag over this strap.  
  • Press your right foot firmly into the wall to engage the leg. Gently shift your shoulders to the left, initiating a slight lateral movement. Extend your right arm above your ear, creating a soft yet active stretch along the right side of your body.
  • The left arm extends out to the side, resting passively.
  • Keep your head neutral—avoid turning it.
  • Begin by stretching the right side to stimulate the liver. Hold for about 30 seconds, allowing the body to open gradually.
  • Return to the center and take a moment to observe any sensations in your abdomen and liver area.
  • Repeat the movement on the left side for 30 seconds.


  • Once again, return to the center and notice how your abdomen and liver feel after both sides have been activated.
  • Cover yourself with a blanket for warmth. with an eye pillow to encourage sensory withdrawal (Pratyahara).
  • Allow yourself to fully relax in supported bridge pose for 15 minutes, letting the breath naturally deepen and the nervous system settle into stillness.

This practice offers a beautiful way to align with the rhythms of spring—clearing out what no longer serves you and embracing transformation with greater ease, balance, and vitality.

Want to Take Your Practice or Teaching Further?

Join my online restorative yoga training to learn the Foundations of Restorative Yoga (10 hours).

Enroll Before May 7th and Save 15% with the coupon RESTORATIVEREVOLUTION.