Savasana, also known as Corpse Pose or Final Resting pose can be one of the most important and difficult yoga poses of your practice. This pose challenges your mind to be still and quiet when your body is at rest. Although this pose looks very easy, it can be challenging to lie still and be in the moment when our busy lives demand our attention.
In today’s society we rarely do only one thing at a time. We have become masters of multitasking and our focus is usually on multiple tasks throughout our day. All of your responsibilities, thoughts and emotions are constantly competing for your recognition. As a result, being in the moment and truly aware of our body and environment almost never occurs. Savasana challenges you to direct that focus. It requires you to look within, be present and let go of all of the other things competing for your mind’s attention.
Body
In Savasana, you are laying flat on your back with your legs mat’s distance and your feet falling out to the side. Your arms are along-side your body with your palms facing up. Your spine is neutral and your eyes are closed. However, I always tell my students that, if this pose does not feel comfortable to you for any reason find a pose that does. Savasana is more about loosing the attachment to your physical body than holding any specific pose. Know that you are perfect just as you laying are on the mat. And let go of any desire to change your body. Begin to connect to it and truly feel what it is telling you. Then let go of any of sensations and feel your body totally at peace.
Breath
Bring the awareness to your breath for a moment. Breath deeply in and out through your nose, completely filling your lungs with air. Perhaps you take a few ujjayi breaths. In ujjayi breathing you restrict the back of your throat and this breath become audible. You can hear this breath and feel the air at the back of your throat. Ujjayi breath is often also called “ocean breath” or “victorious breath” It allows your breath to be heard and felt so you are better able to focus your mind on it. This breath can be both energizing and relaxing. It also greatly improves your focus.
Next, begin to let go of your breath. No longer controlling it, allow your breath to occur naturally. Begin to loose awareness of it.
Mind
Letting go of your mind can be the most challenging step in Savasana. Many people believe that to let go of your mind and be at peace then you need to be without any thoughts. This is a very common misunderstanding. Your mind was designed to think and you should never judge your mind or become frustrated with it for doing this.
First take a few moments to become aware of any thoughts that are occurring. Fully acknowledge them and the message they are giving you. And then give them permission to go. Knowing that when your practice is complete you can return to their message. Give yourself permission in this moment to just “be”.
Then begin feeling separate from your thoughts. Feeling yourself detached from your thoughts and viewing your thoughts as separate from yourself is where we find that sense of peace. Knowing that you are more than just your thoughts and mind. Seeing thoughts as what they are. Being able to be free from them, and not allowing them to control how you are feeling.
Practice
I recommend that you find time to practice Savasana EVERY day. Spend as much time as you can in this pose and become comfortable in it. Many people believe that they do not have time to spend “doing nothing”. However, this pose is far from “doing nothing”. It is restoring your body and mind and allowing you to be much more productive and focused the rest of the day.
Just Some of the Benefits of Savasana
- Calms the mind
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Restores the Central Nervous System
- Improves Digestion, Circulation and Immune Systems
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Relieves Headaches
- Increases Body Awareness
- Improves the quality of your sleep
In conclusion, Savasana is perhaps the most important yoga pose of your practice. At times it can be the most challenging thing you do all day but by learning to master this pose you are able to greatly improve your mind, body and spirit and thus transform your life.
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