Why is Shavasana so important?
Those who already have visited a Yoga class a few times know the final Shavasana pose, also called Corpse Pose. This is the one where you just lay down, and the instructor tells you to do nothing but breathe. Don’t even think about anything - create a space for your mind.
Okay, I have to admit that at the very beginning of my Yoga path, I thought: “What the heck is wrong with those people? Lie down and recognize your toes, fingers, neck, etc.???”
Soon I realized, alright, it is not that bad actually. But still, not my favorite thing to do. In the meantime, I could have been out of class, doing my grocery shopping, preparing dinner, or starting my day in the office. And that’s one of the main purposes of Shavasana. Finally slow down!
Every single day we are forced to follow specific rules of our society, such as getting up early in the morning, preparing for work, preparing the kids for school, always giving 100% at work, going to the gym, eating healthy, being a good partner, cooking dinner, bringing the car to the mechanic, educating yourself, meeting friends, and so on.
The list is endless. So, where is the time to think about our inner desires and well-being? Alright, even if we feel well. But are you aware of how your body is doing? Do you have the time to calm down for a moment and relax for a few moments while everything around you s still moving? Are we that important that we have to force ourselves to be always present, to be always there? Is it beneficial to be always there, can we be doing various things simultaneously, and what do we do to feel less stressed?
How do you feel after a few minutes of Shavasana or a short nap? Refreshed?
You may feel odd in Shavasana, and sometimes your stomach squeezes because you are hungry. Therefore, you would think of food and your next meal. Maybe you have to pick up your kid or still have work. Your mind might be wandering around.
Just because you lie down and try to relax doesn’t mean it always works, especially at the beginning of your Yoga path. It seems so difficult- it's normal!
Well, the relaxing Yogasanas are the most difficult ones. We know how to control our bodies, but controlling our minds is challenging. And it is okay that your mind wanders around. Notice it, and continue the practice of relaxation.
From one time to another, you will be calmer and can dedicate yourself to this relaxing pose; at some point, you will even enjoy those few minutes of Shavasana to reset and recharge.
What are the benefits of Shavasana?
After the physical Yogapraxis, Shavasana is the one where you can let everything go. In Shavasana, you release the fatigue caused by the other Asana practice and calm your mind.
This is the time for observation. How do you feel? What appears on your mind? Are you calm, or do you feel restless? How is your body feeling?
Can you sense any tension? Do not judge, there is no right or wrong. Observe, just notice the state of yourself, and go back to focusing on your breath.
While we just lie there and breathe, we slow down and nourish the body in complete stillness of body and mind.
Shavasana helps to relax the whole psycho-physiological system and develops body awareness.
To avoid any distraction from the practice of Shavasana, do not move the body at all - even the slightest movement disturbs the benefits of this Asana. And I mean, do not even bother to sweep away the mosquito on your shoulder or scratch your nose.
How to practice Shavasana?
Lie flat on your back like a corpse.
Let your legs and arms fall to the sides, naturally, the palms of your hands facing up.
Close your eyes.
Keep the eyes, the forehead, and the space between your eyebrows soft and relaxed.
The lower jaw should be hanging loose and not be clenched, the tongue should be relaxed, away from the throat.
Start by breathing deeply and slightly adapt to a natural pace of breath
Let your breath guide you to the stillness of the body and mind.
After a few minutes, wait for a signal from your body to tell you to get out of the pose.
Then you can start moving again, slowly and mindfully, from the extremities to the center of your body.
