Yogi Questions, Guru Answers: How can one enhance the experience/practice of Savasana?

A little over a week ago, I introduced a new series Yogi Questions, Guru Answers that answer some easy or difficult, and common or unique questions relating to anything and everything yoga, health, the studio, life... (you get the hint), by some of your favorite yoga instructors from the studio.

One of us submitted the question:

What are some ways to enhance the experience/practice of Savasana?

I asked a collection of available Ayuh Yoga Teachers this very question. Check out their insight!

"Spend the time preparing for Savasana. Make sure you feel straight, aligned and neutral; that you feel warm and comfortable. Once you rest in Savasana, moving or twitching brings you out of the stillness you seek in this pose. The mind is hard to still, so it's helpful to focus the mind on the body.

Allow the body release the tension, let go of the effort, feel the melting of the body into the floor, notice the breath move through the body-not just in your nose, throat or chest, but from the fingertips to the toes."

------------ Lynn Kaylor   (Hatha Yoga, Monday, 9am-10am)


 "Some say that Savasana is the hardest pose to relax in. Savasana is profound because it brings up the latent impressions buried within the subconscious mind, similar to a dream state. The conscious mind is unnecessary and has the rare opportunity to relax while remaining awake. Magically thoughts and memories can surface that haven't been acknowledged for many years.

The best way to enhance the practice is to make sure the body can relax, whether it be under a blanket, with an eyebag (great choice), supporting what ever is distracting from the experience (low back/neck/hands/feet/etc). And just trying to get out of the way of the practice; Facing the subconscious mind without reaction.

In 'Light on Yoga' by BKS Iyengar he says that Savasana should be practiced for 15-20 minutes. If it's hard to stay still for that long just try to build up gradually. It's better to practice regularly because the physical body enjoys rhythm whether it be eating, sleeping or practicing savasana. Remember: There is only practice, practice is perfect, and perfect is life."

------ Sparkle Thornton (Ashtanga Vinyasa & Core Strengthening, Mondays and Wednesdays, 5-6pm  & 6:30-7:30pm)

 "Surrender yourself completely to relaxation. Savasana (corpse pose) is about doing nothing. At first this may mean taking deep breaths and letting go of the layers of tension with each exhalation gradually dropping deeper into a state of deep relaxation similar to dreamless sleep, beyond the control of the mind or worldly affairs of existence.

Practice Savasana each day before you go to bed and when you wake up in the morning and this practice of letting go becomes more effective in your yoga class. Recognize that doing nothing is more important than always doing. If you cannot learn to relax completely, you are torturing yourself constantly.

Have patience, doing nothing is harder for many of us to really learn than climbing a mountain because there is no effort involved. Tell yourself, "This is my birthright, to feel happy and blissful in existence." Give yourself permission to truly let go.  Stop trying, simply stop efforting, surrender yourself.

Be at peace with your monkey mind. Stop trying to control everything. Listen to your breath. Feel the belly rise and fall with each breath. Think positive thoughts for yourself and everyone the room and everyone in your life.

Understand that Savasana is the most important yoga posture. It's where the healing begins. The more you practice, the more you benefit. Practice makes perfect.

Love yourself. Forgive yourself for holding onto pain/suffering. Repeat a sacred mantra such as Om or anything you believe in.The list is endless."

----------- Brian Reed (Hot Yoga | Monday & Wednesday | 6:15-7:45pm & 8pm-9:30, Hot Yoga | Tuesdays | 8-9:30pm, Power Yoga | Tuesdays | 6-7:30pm

Want to get your yogini questions answered? Tell me!

Here is How it Works: 

1. Submit a question you want answers to via my email here.
Note: Be sure to include the subject line: Yogi Questions Guru Answers

2. I will pose your question to a selection of available instructors at the studio.

3. Not only will I get those questions answered, i will get you a series of answers from a handful of available instructors at the studio!

4. End result? An entire post to fill your head with a variety of guru knowledge and responses!

Send me your questions and lets get this yogi party started......

Namaste!