I'm Just Here for Savasana

Studio Practice:

Are there times where you drag yourself to class and you do the bare minimum in movement through the 50 minutes of class and then the glorious moment arrives: savasana and you think this is why I came today. Savasana is a beloved pose in our yoga classes and every single yoga class ends with this pose.... we love it so much sometimes we start in it too! So what's it all about? What's the big fuss? Here's a few things you may not have known about savasana...:

Benefits of savasana, corpse pose include

• aids in reducing blood pressure, anxiety symptoms and insomnia

• allows repairing of tissue & cells

• physical relaxation

• releases stress & fatigue

Savasana is a gateway to the philosophical aspect of yoga. Some days you lay and your mind and body are more than willing to be carried into this unknown state of peace. Thoughts disappear and tension dissipates; we aren't specifically aware but we aren't sleeping... our consciousness aligns. Other times we resist this. Thoughts come crashing in like ocean waves, relentless on giving up to nothingness.. It's usually the ladder experience that has savasana ending before it ever really begins.

Very little is actually required for this active resting shape. (active because it takes presence!!) Lay on your back, legs apart allowing toes to point outward arms are near the sides of your body, palms upward. Sometimes it's nice to roll some of your shoulder and leg flesh under or out from under the body.. comfort is the ultimate goal so you're able to be as still as possible. take a few natural breathes and soften your body to the floor. Imagine that the floor is uplifting itself to hold you and focus on your natural breathing. If you fall asleep, don't worry.. it happens a lot and the teacher will wake you if the sound of people sitting upright doesn't -- it is a resting shape after all, right?

If you're someone who is go-go-go all the time and this shape is just passed time of you counting the roof tiles, try laying on your side or your stomach and be sure to close your eyes. You can use a mantra practice to help keep your mind focused in the present, I enjoy "I inhale. I exhale" ... mantra is helpful to lure the mind into a meditative state and the body will follow..

things to ponder...:

Do you remember what your first savasana experience was like?

Have you had an exceptionally blissful savasana experience?

When you practice at home do you include savasana or do you tend to ski it, why?

Enjoy your savasana!