Savasana: Why Do We Just Lay Down After Yoga?

 

By Edith Lazenby

We sweat and work our asana in yoga.

We move the limbs and breathe with awareness.

We engage the body to free the mind and lift the heart.

We feel a fullness.

Our body promises freedom.

Our breath leads us in movement.

Sava means corpse and asana means pose.

When we have finished our asana practice we rest on our back with eyes closed for 5 to 10 minutes.

This practice of coming into final relaxation is the true pinnacle pose in any yoga class. In savasana the body absorbs all that we have done. In savasana we get a taste of meditation. In savasana we let go completely, maybe the only time of the day that we do.

Resting in a supine position, palms up. legs mat width distance apart and breathing freely, we fall into the mat. We allow the mat, the floor, gravity and earth to support us. We feel held in this final relaxation. We let our thoughts go as best as possible.

We relax.

The mind may finally settle. By the time we get to final relaxation we are ready for the stillness. Hatha yoga includes asana, pranayama and meditation. In corpse pose we receive all those and remember vinyasa or flow yoga is a form of hatha yoga.

If a quiet mind baffles you try a Mantra or simply following the breath. We have permission to be nothing and do nothing at last.

Corpse pose, represents the final exhalation that leads us to ultimate freedom, back to our creator or whatever your belief system allows. For it is in death we are free of the body and the spirit goes home. In corpse pose we are free in the body and closer to our spirit.

So breathe, relax and know your rest awaits.

 

Edith “Edie” Lazenby lives in Baltimore and teaches yoga. Writing is her first love. She enjoys a cup of coffee and being around people. Life is a celebration. Writing helps her celebrate.

 

 

 

Photo: yogaholics/tumblr

Editor: Sherrin Fitzer

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