Hello Women, 

I hope this cool October day finds you well and perhaps feeling that slight cocooning energy, which slowly drifts into our consciousness during this month. The slowing down that naturally begins, as the incoming darkness of the season descends. Pull up a chair or get cozy with a soft warm blanket, today we are going to talk about the journey inwards to a deep and nourishing Savasana. And how it can be comforting, soothing and rejuvenating to mind and body. Settle in and let Savasana work it’s magic for you. 

Savasana or Corpse pose is the pose which usually concludes a yoga practice. It is the bridge between the outward practice of asana to the inward practice of pranayama (breath work). It is also one of the few yoga asanas where Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) can be attained. On first impressions it seems like the least challenging of any asana. It’s just lying down, right? What could be difficult about that? And after a strong practice, it’s a little rest - so who doesn’t love that? Well, yes, this is all true. This pose is done lying down and yes, it is a rest after a practice that may have challenged you physically and a rest would indeed be most welcome! However, Savasana can actually be one of the most demanding asanas for many people: slowing down, letting go and  turning inwards, away from the constant outside distractions of life, can be extremely challenging. In today’s world of moving from one distraction to the next, phone and computer notifications bleeping, screen usage at an all time high and the background noise of constant mental chatter; switching it all off can be really challenging. B.K.S. Iyengar wrote this about Savasana: “By remaining motionless for some time and keeping the mind still while you are fully conscious, you learn to relax....But it is much harder to keep the mind than the body still. Therefore, this apparently easy posture is one of the most difficult to master.” 

So how can we really sink into a deep and nourishing Savasana? And how will this practice, whether done at the end of a yoga class or done independently as a self care practice, nurture and support mind and body? Read on...

Setting up well for Savasana is really important. Find a warm, comfortable space, without distractions and wear loose clothing if possible. This pose can be done without props, but having at least one blanket to support the head and neck can make a real difference in how comfortable and relaxed you feel. An eye pillow is really lovely to cover the eyes, or another blanket can be used for this. The eye pillow removes visual distractions and provides a little bit of weight to this area, which brings a grounding affect to the head and calms the brain. Other props such as a bolster for under the knees, (providing more comfort for the lower back), or even over the thighs, (to ground the body a little) is a comfortable extra, if you have it. Once you have prepared your space and your props, you can go to my Journey Inwards with Savasana video on YouTube or on the home page of this website, to experience a nurturing, guided Savasana. Or, if you prefer to be in silence, lie down on your mat, cover your eyes and with the body relaxed and open, take some steady, even breaths and begin to let go. If this is new to you, I would recommend doing the guided Savasana first, to learn the optimal way to position the body and release tension as you drift into the relaxed state of this pose. 

Taking time to set up and prepare for Savasana, then giving yourself the gift of at least 5-8 interrupted minutes to allow this pose to sprinkle a little magic over your day, has so many benefits for health and well-being. Here are just a few: 

• This pose is the basis for all restorative poses, so once learned and practiced, it can be the gateway to the wonderful world of restorative yoga and pranayama (breath work).

• It’s frees the body from tension.

• Lowers blood pressure.

• Relaxes the joints and muscles, soothes the nerves and allows the mind to become quiet.

• Recharges the mind and body.

• Regular practice of this pose can draw awareness internally, away from external stimuli, to settle the mind.

• Provides deep relaxation.

I do hope that you will consider practicing Savasana more regularly. It is not uncommon to finish a yoga practice and feel like you have little to no time for Savasana. In truth, however, the essence of the practice is assimilated in mind and body by spending time in this pose. Or if you only have 10 minutes to devote to self care, try practicing this pose and I’m confident you will experience the new adventure of moving into the tranquil world of Savasana, which is deep inside yourself. 

Check out my Journey Inwards with Savasana video mentioned above and I’d love to know how it goes for you. Comment below or drop me a message on the Connect with Me page. I’d love to support you on your Savasana journey. 

Until next time....