Yoga has various styles and postures, which generally offer the same benefits for the body and mind. However, each of these poses specializes in one goal. This time we want to talk to you about the Savasana style of posture for relaxation. This posture is one of the most important exercises in the yoga session. Read on and find out why.
What is Savasana?
The Savasana pose is also known as the “corpse pose.” This yoga pose could often be mistaken for a nap at the end of yoga practice. But it is a challenging pose, even for those individuals who can very happily balance, flex, and contort their body. The reason is that the art of relaxation is more difficult than it seems. The Savasana pose establishes the conditions. It allows the individual to gradually enter a state of total relaxation and act as a starting point for full meditation.
Although this pose seems easy at first glance. It is recognized by teachers and the most experienced in yoga as the most difficult posture of the asanas. In fact, according to Patanjali, author of the famous Yoga Sutras. The Savasana represents par excellence, and the definition of Asanas.
Start practicing Savasana
Starting to practice Savasana can become a struggle to achieve the required level of relaxation. The individual often feels a tense sensation while staring at the ceiling. Many beginners fall asleep during this phase. The essence of this posture is to achieve deep relaxation, but with attention, you must remain aware and alert while still being at ease. Staying aware while relaxation is achieved allows you to begin to notice and release the tensions of the body and mind.
Savasana is a progressive relaxation practice, that is, one part of the body at a time, one muscle at a time, and one thought at a time. The daily practice of this posture conditions the body to help release stress and improve well-being both physically and emotionally. But when we remain with the accumulated tensions in the body, it is not easy to quickly master the Savasana position. That is why it is important to practice other asanas before trying this position. In this way, you will be able to stretch, open and release the tension of the muscles. You will also help relax the diaphragm and manage the control of the breath. It will allow a better experience when starting in the Savasana position.
Savasana benefits
There are many benefits that the Savasana pose brings. The ideal time for this pose is 15-20 minutes. However, a few minutes of Savasana can bring powerful benefits, such as:
• Relieve mild depression
• Control high blood pressure
• Eliminate headaches
• Eliminate fatigue
• Control insomnia
• Calm the nervous system and promote stability throughout the body
• Relax tired muscles
• Relax the jaw
• Relaxing tension-laden shoulders
Common challenges of Savasana
By the time you have completed your yoga asanas or postures. Your body and mind should be tired enough to achieve sufficient relaxation and achieve Savasana. But as we already said, this position that appears to be simple is more difficult than it is believed. The body can naturally cause distractions that make it challenging for the participant. During the session, cold, itching, etc., are very common.
It is normal for the mind to put up resistance to achieve deep relaxation since we are used to our muscles and the brain to achieve our goals. However, in Savasana, we must be equally skilled in letting go of all that activity to achieve the beneficial effects of posture.
It’s hard to let go of the idea that everything important happens when we are active and on the go. However, a very deep part of yourself, wait for those moments of complete relaxation to reveal your inner truth. A feeling of connection, clarity, wisdom, love, and joy can arise during this state of calm and relaxation. This is just a sample of what meditation offers. This is why the Savasana posture is the ultimate act of conscious surrender.
5 steps to a successful Savasana pose
Prepare for Success
Stretch out on the mat and make sure you are completely comfortable. Use the bolsters, pillows, blankets and cover your eyes with a pillow or a towel. The more comfortable you feel, the easier it will be to achieve the desired relaxation and you will be able to receive many more benefits.
Take a final cleansing breath
Your teacher will likely ask you to take an audible exhale, which will release your body during the pose. This cleansing breath will send a message to your parasympathetic nervous system and help you relax more easily.
Analyze your body for tension
Mentally review all parts of your body and try to make them lighter. Observe the tension in the jaw, shoulders and hips. Because stress normally accumulates specifically in these areas.
Trust exercise
Some days will be easier than others and that’s part of the practice. The important thing is that you try to always stay comfortable and simply trust that the breath will take you to the next phase. Stay tuned for peaceful moments and calm thoughts. With time and practice, you will be able to find more inner peace.
Set an intention
Before finishing the Savasana, take a mental picture of how you feel at all levels of the exercise. Ask yourself what you want to keep from practice and what you would like to discard. Seal these observations in your psyche with an inner smile and then enjoy a deep breath to wake up and emerge into a new day.
Now take a moment to realize that you feel more rested, awake, and alive than before you started the exercise.
Conclusion
While our world moves so dynamically, cultivating the art of Savasana is more valuable than ever. Even though our society tends to value speed and productivity more. Learning to do nothing is a skill that can help us to be more productive when it is required.
Savasana teaches us how to give ourselves completely, stop fighting the clock. Create the space for peace and harmony that nourishes the soul. Practicing this position is like turning off the computer when it does not work well. Once we restart it, we notice how it presents better functionality.