Śavāsana (Corpse) - A Journey Into Deep Relaxation

There is a reason why this pose is said to be the most difficult to master. Śavāsana is an absolute tonic. The name translates as Corpse Pose and in this pose, we are attempting to imitate an empty vessel. The body remains still for the duration of the pose and as we watch the body we learn to relax it.

The mind will do its thing and when that happens, purely observe. I like to draw my attention back to the breath - does that work for you? See how you feel at the end and let me know. I always feel refreshed and reinvigorated by this pose and like to practice it at the end of my yoga practice as well as during the day.

Transcript

Hello there,

I'm Amanda and welcome to your practice.

Today we are exploring the posture or the pose known as Shavasana.

Sava means corpse and in this practice we attempt to imitate a corpse,

Lifeless,

Still and silent.

B.

K.

S.

Iyengar says that by remaining motionless for a period of time and keeping the mind still while we are fully conscious,

We begin to experience relaxation.

So in this practice you will remain completely still and so you can practice this posture in the traditional Shavasana shape which would be lying down on your bed or on your yoga mat.

You might like to place a bolster under your knees and an eye pillow over your eyes,

But you don't need any props at all other than your body.

When you have found a supreme level of comfort,

Commit to remaining still for the next ten minutes.

I will mind the time for you,

So begin to deepen your breath and notice your experience right at this moment.

You might like to wriggle your fingers and your toes,

Noticing your current experience.

Let yourself awaken slowly and gently,

Maybe dragging one foot and then the other to rest on the floor,

Maybe taking one hand onto your heart and one hand onto your belly,

Feeling the breath in the body just as it is,

Just as you are.

If you'd like to rest a while longer,

Maybe press the stop button now.

If you're ready to begin your ascent,

Slowly roll to one side and this is where I'll leave you.

Have a great day or evening wherever you are.

Bye for now.