At the end of every class we lie down in savasana, corpse pose. It looks like we’re doing nothing, but this is when the body integrates everything that happened during practice. That’s why we should never skip it.
Conditions for relaxing
- Comfort: back on the floor, legs slightly apart, arms by your sides with palms up.
- Warmth: the body cools as it relaxes; a blanket or socks help a lot.
- Support: a cushion under the knees if your lower back complains, and a small one under the head if needed.
- Stillness: after the first adjustments, try not to move.
What to do with the mind
You can scan the body from feet to head, releasing each area. Or simply watch the breath without changing it. If thoughts appear, let them drift by like clouds and return to body sensations.
Coming out
Slowly: deepen the breath, move fingers and toes, stretch and roll to one side before sitting up. Coming out abruptly breaks the calm you’ve just created.
Ten minutes of savasana can be the most restorative moment of your day.
