Śavasana - Corpse Pose
Śavasana is the yogic posture of deep relaxation. It is designed to be minimally stimulating and as relaxing as possible. The body is laid out on the floor, held by the earth, requiring zero muscular engagement. The palms are turned face up so that this neurologically sensitive part of the body is not stimulated. The spine is long and straight, inviting wisdom into the human frame. This posture is practiced after intensive exercise, in place of a midday nap, or just before sleeping. It induces a grounding calmness, reduces anxiety, and allows consciousness to spread throughout the body.
To practice śavasana, find a comfortable, warm, quiet space. Lie down on your back, placing a thin, soft pillow under the head and neck. Open the legs slightly, so that the feet are just beyond hip-width distance from one another. Lay the arms out along the sides of the body, palms turned upwards.
Using your hands, you can slide the tailbone downwards to put some length into the low back (optional). Similarly, you may shift the shoulder blades down the spine, encouraging the oft-over-tensed shoulders to soften. (If there persists pain the low-back, try placing a pillow under the knees.)
Ensure that the body is symmetric, and the spine is long. Make any final adjustments. Breathe deeply and slowly.
Once the body realizes the posture, bring your attention to the mind. Śavasana, corpse pose, is meant to be corpse-like in its quality of utter surrender. Just as the body is devoid of muscular engagement, the mind will also release its grip. Allow the process of thinking to subside, just as waves in a pool gradually tire out and become stillness themselves, the surface of the pool so placid that light penetrates to the depths.
Remain awake and alert, yet utterly still. Conscious awareness penetrates to all corners of being, and there exists zero tension in body or mind.
To practice śavasana, find a comfortable, warm, quiet space. Lie down on your back, placing a thin, soft pillow under the head and neck. Open the legs slightly, so that the feet are just beyond hip-width distance from one another. Lay the arms out along the sides of the body, palms turned upwards.
Using your hands, you can slide the tailbone downwards to put some length into the low back (optional). Similarly, you may shift the shoulder blades down the spine, encouraging the oft-over-tensed shoulders to soften. (If there persists pain the low-back, try placing a pillow under the knees.)
Ensure that the body is symmetric, and the spine is long. Make any final adjustments. Breathe deeply and slowly.
Once the body realizes the posture, bring your attention to the mind. Śavasana, corpse pose, is meant to be corpse-like in its quality of utter surrender. Just as the body is devoid of muscular engagement, the mind will also release its grip. Allow the process of thinking to subside, just as waves in a pool gradually tire out and become stillness themselves, the surface of the pool so placid that light penetrates to the depths.
Remain awake and alert, yet utterly still. Conscious awareness penetrates to all corners of being, and there exists zero tension in body or mind.