For most of us, corpse pose or Savasana is just relaxation at the end of our practice. On the contrary, it is actually considered one of the most difficult yoga poses. Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, practitioner of Iyengar yoga, states that corpse pose is the “most difficult for students,” because while in the pose we are “not waking, not sleeping.” Corpse pose exists in between alertness and sleep, the intent of the pose is to locate the absence of everything or to die and lay like a corpse. It is essential that we maintain a level of awareness but not alertness while in corpse pose as it allows our mind and body time to integrate the new information that was received through the yoga practice. The benefits of this pose include stimulating blood circulation and may lessen or relieve insomnia, fatigue, asthma, nervousness, constipation, and indigestion.
Instructions
- Lie on your back. To deepen your relaxation, place a bolster beneath your knees.
- Allow the feet and legs to rotate outwards.
- Let your arms fall a little ways from your torso, palms up.
- Breathe naturally; allow your body to sink into the floor.
It may be helpful to bring your awareness to each area of your body to release any residual tension. Remember to relax your mind but do not let yourself daydream or fall asleep.
Savasana gives the body a chance to integrate all of the benefits of your practice and is considered by some to be the most important pose.
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