The deck held in both hands, cards fanned around it

The deck and cards laid out with a mat, matcha and peonies

The deck and cards on a wooden table with candle and palo santo

YACEP certified · Emotional regulation

Restorative Yoga Deck

Restorative Yoga equips you with the tools to respond, not just react, 79 cards of props, somatic practices and emotional regulation.

seven core emotions mapped to every pose
belt, wall and prop-supported poses with safe cues
in-box manual + optional 25h YACEP certification

25h YACEPOptional certification: 25 hours of continuing education, certified by Yoga Alliance.

The six categories

Somatic Practices
cards 1–17
Tune into your body's sensations, release tension, and create ease in both mind and body.
Belt Poses
cards 25–33
Use the belt to support your body, increase flexibility, and promote deeper nervous system relaxation.
Extra Props
cards 41–50
Add props for enhanced physical support, comfort, and deeper release during poses.
Wall Poses
cards 51–58
Use the wall for grounding and support, combining its support with gravity to deepen the pose.
Intention Cards
7 emotions
Work with 7 main emotions and their opposites to shift from resistance to empowerment and growth.
Pranayama
cards 61–64
Breathing techniques that calm the nervous system, deepen your practice and support well-being.

Unlock your potential

79 beautifully illustrated cards: somatic practices, prop-enhanced poses and breathing techniques for self-regulation, plus intention cards that build emotional intelligence.

Somatic card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

Belt pose card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

Extra props card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

Wall pose card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

Pranayama card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

Intention card from the Restorative Yoga Deck

It's not about managing your emotions, it's about managing your reaction to them.

Two symbols guide you through the deck.

The wave symbol
Practices designed to balance the nervous system, whether you are in heightened stress or feeling shut down. These poses bring the body into calm, promoting deep recovery on physical, mental and emotional levels.
The flame symbol
A deeper physical pose that requires preparation. These are more intense and should be approached with care, ensuring the body is properly warmed up to receive the full benefits.

Rest is a skill, and most of us have lost it

Restorative yoga uses props to hold the body in supported shapes long enough for the nervous system to stand down. Nothing is stretched or strengthened. The work is letting go.

It reaches what effort cannot
Fully supported holds move the body into a parasympathetic state. Stress a strong practice pushes through, this one lets out.
Emotions live in the body
Tension patterns hold emotional history. Releasing the tissue and naming the feeling, together, is what shifts it.
Nobody is too stiff for it
The props carry your weight, so the poses stay open to beginners, injured bodies and anyone tired enough to need them.

Build emotional intelligence with your practice

Based on the body mapping model by Glerean et al. (2013), this deck reveals the connection between emotions, thoughts and physical sensations. Whether you are experiencing tension, tightness or numbness, the key to unlocking these blocked energies lies in bodily awareness and breathwork.

Each pose is designed to release blocked emotions and cultivate positive energy, turning emotional challenges into opportunities for transformation.

Pick the emotion. Build the sequence.

On the back of each card you will find one or more of the seven core emotions highlighted. Because multiple emotions are linked to each pose, you can build a sequence that matches your mood, and shifts it.

stress calm
sadness joy
anger compassion
fear trust

Each pose lists both the emotion it releases and the one it builds, so the sequence you draw has a direction.

The back of each card, with the emotions that pose works on highlighted

Transform your emotions with intention cards

Each intention card reveals a positive emotion with its negative counterpart on the back. Use them as prompts when building your sequence. If you want to move from sadness to joy, choose that card as your intention and place it in front of you throughout your practice.

Front · the emotion you are moving toward

Back · its counterpart, on the same card

An ancient principle from Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. When negative emotions arise, instead of resisting them, we focus on their opposite qualities, and shift from suffering to empowerment.

Works with the decks you already have

Use it as a standalone sequence, layer it into a Vinyasa flow, pair it with the Yin deck, or draw a single pose to start or end the day.

Somatic practices cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Somatic practices

Belt practices cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Belt practices

Extra props cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Extra props

Wall practices cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Wall practices

Pranayama practices cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Pranayama practices

Emotion cards cards from the Restorative Yoga Deck — Emotion cards

Every card is numbered, so a sequence that works can be written down and drawn again.

Some benefits you'll get from the Restorative Deck

01
Nervous-system regulation
Somatic practices and prop-supported holds that bring you out of high alert or shutdown and back into calm.
02
Emotional intelligence
Recognize emotional patterns in the body and work with their opposites, instead of resisting what you feel.
03
Props that do the work
Belts, bolsters, blankets and the wall carry your weight, so the body can let go rather than hold on.
04
Portable mindfulness
A single card is enough to start or end a day, no screen, no class time, no planning.
05
Teachable in class
Clear prop instructions and emotion cues make it fast to hold a safe, nurturing restorative class.
06
Rest you come back to
Long, supported holds you will actually return to, whatever the day asked of you.

What you leave with

New to restorative yoga
Nothing is assumed. Every pose is explained on the card, and the course starts from which prop does what and why.
Already practicing or teaching
The emotional mapping, the somatic segments and the sequencing strategy are the parts most teachers have not met before.

01
Name the state you are in
Recognize whether your nervous system is activated or shut down, and know which practice moves it.
02
Break free from the stress cycle
Understand the root causes and the patterns that keep you stuck, instead of pushing harder and calling it discipline.
03
Put the day down
Let go of stored frustration and tension tonight rather than carrying it into tomorrow, and the week after.
04
Read your own body
Notice how thoughts and emotions register physically, and what that is telling you before it becomes pain.
05
Take back the pause
Non-reactivity as a skill you have practiced, so you choose your response instead of watching it happen.
06
Sequence with intent
Build sequences that hold up, for your own practice or for a class you teach.

Ann Schreppers

As a lifelong ballerina and bodyworker, Ann is passionate about love for Self, others, and the Earth. Ann has over a decade of full-time experience teaching in the field of human consciousness and over 1500 hours of certificates in Yoga and energy psychology.

"I am humbled for all my teachers & life lessons I have encountered so far and my capacity to increasingly appreciate my reality."

Pair the deck with Restorative Academy

In-depth theoretical support, sequencing strategies and a detailed breakdown of every pose, so you can tailor the practice to your own emotional and physical needs. Self-paced, with lifetime access.

01
Introduction to Restorative Yoga
The practice, the props and what supported rest does for body and mind.
02
A video tutorial per card
Step-by-step guidance for every restorative pose, somatic practice and breathwork technique in the deck.
03
Emotions and trauma in the body
How they are stored, their physiological effects, and how restorative yoga helps release them.
04
Key yogic concepts
The Koshas and the cycle of Samskara, and how both connect to emotional well-being.
05
Transitions and props
Moving smoothly between poses, and using props for safety and deep relaxation.

Certify it: 25 hours of continuing education

The certified version is the same course plus four additions. Registered Yoga Teachers can count it toward their ongoing education requirements; it stays self-paced.

01
The Training Manual
Theoretical support, practical tools and assignments, useful for self-assessment even if you skip the certificate.
02
Sequencing guidance
How to structure a restorative class, and where these practices fit inside a Vinyasa or Yin sequence.
03
Personalized feedback
Direct, tailored notes from our instructors on the assignments you submit.
04
25 hours of YACEP credit
Continuing education credit certified by Yoga Alliance, for Registered Yoga Teachers fulfilling their ongoing education requirements.

Beyond the mat, the same tools work in a therapy room. Practitioners use the somatic practices and intention cards to help clients recognize a nervous-system state and shift it, rather than only talk about it.

Loved by teachers & students

✓ Verified buyer

I bought it for my own nervous system and ended up using it with clients. Building a sequence for how someone actually feels that day is what makes this deck different.

Marta L. · IT

Practice
Yoga teacher · RYT-500

Practicing for
9 years

Favorite part
Emotion indications
✓ Verified buyer

The belt and wall poses opened up shapes I could never hold before. Props stopped feeling like a compromise and started feeling like the point.

Diane R. · UK

Practice
Home practice

Practicing for
4 years

Favorite part
Belt & wall poses
✓ Verified buyer

I keep the intention cards on my mat. Choosing one before practice changed how I show up, a small ritual that sets the whole session.

Sofia K. · DE

Practice
Restorative course student

Practicing for
3 years

Favorite part
Intention cards

The Restorative Deck at a glance

79 beautifully illustrated cards
Six practical categories, from somatic practices and prop-supported holds to pranayama.
Visual and written cues
How to set up each pose and each prop, so you can practice safely on your own.
Name in English and in Sanskrit
Both names on every card, useful in class and in teacher training.
Focus phrases for each posture
A short phrase that sets your attention while the pose does its work.
Emotional regulation indications
The core emotions each pose works with, and the opposite it moves you toward.
Complete manual
A printed in-box manual plus an online manual with in-depth insights and suggested practices.

The Restorative Yoga Deck with its cards laid out

How does it work?

The Restorative Deck is made of 79 cards in 6 practical categories, so you can navigate the practice, and your emotions, with ease.

Somatic practices
Belt poses
Extra props
Wall poses
Intention cards
Pranayama

Build your first restorative sequence

Choose the emotion

Start from what you feel, or from an intention card. Every pose names the emotions it works with and its opposite, so the direction is on the card.
Lay out your sequence

Draw from the 6 categories, somatic, belt, props, wall, intention and pranayama. The wave and flame symbols keep the flow calming rather than stimulating.
Roll out your mat

Set your props and the cards beside you, hold each shape for minutes rather than breaths, and let the pose do the work.

A woman resting forward over a bolster in a supported child's pose

Transform stress into strength.

Build your deck bundle ↑

A nervous system that
knows how to settle.

Made of: 79 hand-illustrated cards, FSC-certified 320g paper made in Italy, a linen-structured box and an in-box manual, printed in Europe.
Perfect for: Coming down after stress, emotional regulation, prop-supported rest, therapy and bodywork sessions, and slow class planning.
FYI: Beginner-friendly ✦ 25h YACEP option ✦ No app required ✦ Pairs with every PlayPauseBe deck.

Compare the decks

Product details

Product: PlayPauseBe Restorative Yoga Deck, restorative and somatic practice cards
Cards: 79 hand-illustrated cards, including intention cards and pranayama cards
Categories: 6, somatic practices, belt poses, extra props, wall poses, intention cards, pranayama
On every card: English + Sanskrit name, visual and written cues, focus phrase, the core emotions the pose works with, wave or flame symbol
Symbols: Wave = nervous-system balancing · Flame = deeper pose, needs preparation
Method: Emotional body mapping based on the Glerean et al. (2013) model; intention cards built on Pratipaksha Bhavana
Includes: Printed in-box manual + in-depth online manual
Course option: Restorative Academy, the online course; 25-hour YACEP certification available with Training Manual and personalized feedback
Instructor: Ann Schreppers, 1500+ hours of certificates in yoga and energy psychology
Materials: 320g Pro paper made in Italy from FSC-certified sources, moisture resistant, linen-structured box
Printed in: Europe. Eco-certified production
Ships from: Dallas (US), Glasgow (UK), Venlo (EU), no import fees in US, CA, UK, EU
Guarantee: 15-day money-back

Questions, answered

What is the PlayPauseBe Restorative Yoga Deck?

A set of 79 hand-illustrated cards in 6 categories, somatic practices, belt poses, extra props, wall poses, intention cards and pranayama. Each card carries the pose with its English and Sanskrit name, visual and written cues, a focus phrase, and the core emotions it works with. It ships with a printed in-box manual and an in-depth online manual.

What makes it different from other yoga decks?

It combines emotional regulation with innovative prop-supported poses. It's grounded in body mapping based on the Glerean model (2013), which links emotions to physical sensations. With somatic practices and pranayama alongside the poses, it's a toolkit for emotional and nervous-system health rather than only a pose reference.

How does the deck help with emotional regulation?

Each card highlights specific emotions and their opposites, so you can shift from challenging states such as anger or fear toward empowering ones like compassion or trust. This is rooted in the yogic principle of Pratipaksha Bhavana, cultivating the opposite.

What do the wave and flame symbols mean?

The wave marks practices that balance the nervous system, whether you are in heightened stress or feeling shut down. The flame marks a deeper physical pose that needs preparation, approach it with care and make sure the body is warmed up.

What props do I need?

The deck works with a belt, blankets, bolsters and a wall. Props make the practice accessible to all body types and deepen relaxation by carrying your weight. The online course gives further guidance on adapting each pose to your needs.

Can I use it if I'm not a yoga teacher?

Absolutely. It's built for anyone exploring emotional balance, body awareness and mindful rest. The cards, the printed manual and the online manual all carry detailed instructions, so no teaching background is needed. The course is written for practitioners and teachers alike, with clear explanations for beginners and deeper insights for the more experienced.

What does the online course include?

A video tutorial for every restorative card in the deck, plus theory: how emotions and trauma are stored in the body and their physiological effects, the yogic concepts of the Koshas and the cycle of Samskara, transitioning between poses, and using props for safety and deep relaxation.

Do I need the online course?

No, the deck stands on its own. The course adds theory, in-depth pose breakdowns, variations, modifications and sequencing strategies. If you want the Yoga Alliance certification, the course is required.

How can it help me as a yoga teacher?

It gives you prop, belt and wall work you can offer safely to any body in the room, and a shared language for emotional regulation, so students can meet a feeling through movement instead of talking about it. The certified course adds sequencing strategy for building restorative classes.

How long does the course take?

It is a 25 hour course, and you move through the material at your own pace. Some students complete it in a week or two, others spread it over a longer period depending on their schedule. Access does not expire.

Do I get feedback on my work?

On the certified version, yes. You submit the Training Manual assignments and receive direct, tailored notes from our instructors. The deck on its own does not include feedback or the manual.

What is the YACEP certification?

The certified version of the course earns 25 hours of continuing education credit, certified by Yoga Alliance, and includes the full Training Manual with assignments plus personalized feedback from our instructors. It's designed for Registered Yoga Teachers meeting their ongoing education requirements.

Can I combine it with other PlayPauseBe decks?

Yes. Use it as a standalone sequence, pair it with the Yin deck, or add poses at the start or end of a Vinyasa flow. A single card is also enough to start or close a day.

How and where do you ship?

Orders ship worldwide from warehouses in Dallas, Glasgow and Venlo. No customs fees for the US, EU or UK. Shipping is calculated at checkout.

What if it's not for me?

Every order is covered by a 15-day money-back guarantee. If anything arrives defective or damaged through no fault of your own, we replace it free of charge.

One deck for strength.
One for coming down.

A complete practice needs both. Pair the Restorative Deck's supported rest with the Yoga Deck's dynamic Hatha and Vinyasa flows, strong days, soft days, one system.

Restorative Yoga Deck

for supported, deep rest

Yoga Deck

for strong, dynamic flows

Just the Restorative

Both together ship free · 15-day money-back guarantee

the short version