Why we never skip Savasana
Have you ever heard one of your yoga teachers say in class, "Savasana is the most important pose of the practice," but never quite understood why?
Let's be honest, we have all been tempted at least once in our yoga journey to skip Savasana at the end of a class. We might feel like we got what we needed from the active part of the class and have the urge to move on to other tasks on our to-do lists. But let me tell you, this is exactly why you shouldn't skip Savasana. Keep reading to find out why.
In Sanskrit, Savasana can be translated as "corpse pose." It is a restorative yoga pose that invites us to become "dead" to the external world for a few minutes and become alive to our internal world. It is one of the few yoga poses that allows us to completely disconnect from external stimulation and encourages conscious rest.
The goal of Savasana is not to fall asleep (although if you do, it means you probably need the rest, and that's okay!). Instead, it aims to facilitate conscious rest for the body and mind, bringing awareness to the present moment.
Understanding the Benefits of Savasana in the Yoga Practice
Savasana is a pose that holds great power but is often misunderstood by many yoga practitioners. Let's take a deeper dive into some of its invaluable benefits:
Calming the nervous system: Transitioning from an active practice to a state of complete stillness helps regulate the nervous system and enter a state of relaxation. This allows you to disconnect from external stimulation and train yourself to better respond to stress.
Counteracting overstimulation: In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with stimulation from people, social media, and demanding lifestyles. Finding a moment of stillness in our busy days can be challenging, but it is essential for our well-being. Savasana offers a precious five minutes at the end of the practice to experience true stillness.
Assisting in the digestion of your practice: After exerting effort during your yoga practice, it is crucial to allow your body and mind time to digest and recover. This rest period is essential for building muscle memory and progressing in your physical practice.
Practicing acceptance of endings: Although it may sound morbid, Savasana provides an opportunity to confront the reality of mortality. By acknowledging the impermanence of life and our attachments, we can better navigate endings and transitions. From the symbolic death in Savasana, we can be reborn and ready to start anew.
Making the most of your Savasana following these simple tips
Find a comfortable position: Lie down on your back with your arms by your sides and palms facing up. You can use props like a bolster, blanket, or an eye pillow to fully relax your muscles and create a sense of darkness.
Allow natural breathing to occur: Let go of controlling or forcing your breath. Instead, follow the natural rhythm of your breath, which can help you relax into the pose.
Release expectations: Each Savasana experience will be different because we change from day to day. Embrace the present moment without any preconceived notions.
BKS Iyengar once referred to Savasana as "the most difficult pose to master." The key to practicing Savasana is to let go of control and fully embrace the practice of non-doing. Remember, less is more. Savasana provides a sacred time for spaciousness and reflection.
With love,
Camille