Savasana – Corpse Pose
(shah-VAHS-uh-nuh)
Sava – corpse
Asana – comfortable seat/pose
Often underestimated, Savasana, is considered the most important pose and the ‘why’ we practice yoga. We work our way through a series of asana and become present with ourselves, so that at the end, we can let go, drop all efforts and fully surrender. With all of its complexity, Savasana, simply exposes you as you lay with closed eyes and your breath falling back into its natural rhythm. It gives you purpose to practice mindful awareness without effort or exertion; helping you to eliminate the tension and the unnecessary beliefs that unconsciously guide your life. And, Savasana, allows you to harness the sensations of a renewed and enhanced connection between the body, mind, and spirit that fundamentally shifts the structure of who you are, freeing you to find your true essence.
To practice Savasana:
- Lie on your back with your legs straight and arms at your sides. Rest your hands beside your body with your palms facing up. Let your feet drop open and close your eyes.
- Let your breath occur naturally and allow yourself to completely relax and rest in this pose.
- Stay in Savasana for a minimum of 10% (of the time) of your practice.
- To exit the pose, first begin to deepen your breath. Then bring gentle movement and awareness back to your body, wiggling your fingers and toes. Roll on to your preferred side and rest there for a moment, before you gently press yourself into a comfortable seated position. Let your head be the last thing to come into place.
Namaste