The photo above shows me in the "savasana" (the Indian sanskrit term which is pronounced "shav-asana with the accent on the second a) pose which I like to call the "relaxation" pose rather than its other commonly known name, the "corpse!" I believe yoga enables us to feel more alive and that's why I so dislike calling this pose the "corpse." According to one yoga expert, the term "corpse" is an "unfortunate translation." Apparently, though, the ancient yogis considered a "corpse" to be physically inert but "observant" and not dead at all. So the term was not viewed in a negative light.
Regardless, doing this pose reminds me of what you experience during transcendental meditation. You become very still and relaxed yet remain alert. Many yogis recommend concluding your yoga practice with the savasana. As I say in my instructions for this pose, after you complete a set of yoga poses, tension and stress are released and your energy is given a boost. Lying very still in this pose for a few minutes at the end of a session enables your energy to stabilize and settle down in your system.
Taking the few minutes to do the relaxation pose is just so soothing and restorative as well because after doing numerous stretches and holds, you allow your body to relax completely. However, because you feel like you're not doing much of anything, when you're under time pressure (I have to admit I am guilty of this!), it's easy to just skip over this last pose. Take my advice - don't! As stated in the article, "Heavenly Rest" in the the October 2011 issue of the Yoga Journal which discusses this pose in detail, "During savasana there is a complete recharge and rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit." And, apparently some studies done in India have shown that this pose may help fight hypertension.
This morning I was more mindful of creating the intention to fully relax at the end of my yoga session with the savasana. I located the eyepad I bought 2 years ago and forgotten about, placed it on my eyes, and I had one of my best recharging few moments ever! The bliss stayed with me literally all day long! Tomorrow I will share the instructions for this pose which for many people appears a lot easier than it may be for them to do well!
Yours for recharging and relaxing after every yoga session the the savasana,
Laura Venecia Rodriguez
I am not clear what you are referring to???? What boxes?
Posted by: Laura Rodriguez | October 20, 2011 at 08:41 PM