This posture is named the corpse pose for two reasons. From a physical perspective, your body will remain stationary without moving for a period of time. From a spiritual perspective, it’s like being quiet to the external world — to the ideas of the past and the future and to the mental construct of yourself. It’s not just a resting posture. Your body is completely relaxed but your mind is alert and observing, receiving and releasing every stimulation from within and from your surroundings. Usually, this is the last pose taken after your yoga practice allowing the effects of all the previous postures to be assimilated and for the energy to resettle. For many, savasana is one of the most difficult positions because it is more mental than physical. Yet, it is the perfect opportunity to practice conscious attention.

Benefits of the corpse pose

Physically

• It gives your body a deep rest.

• It relaxes your muscles.

• It lowers your blood pressure and heart rate.

• Your entire organism goes back to its natural state of relaxation.

Mentally

Savasana helps your mind gain clarity and calmness, facilitating focus and creativity.

Energetically

The silence and stillness maintained during savasana clarify and deepen your emotions, letting you recognize them from a higher perspective. If you are less overwhelmed by your emotions, you will have more space and presence to cultivate your spiritual exploration.

To be mindful

Savasana is not recommended for the third trimester of pregnancy. In this case, roll on your side with knees bent and a pillow under your head. Place a pillow under your legs to release tension from your lower back.

How to do the corpse pose

1. Lying on your back, let your arms and legs drop open. Place your arms comfortably at your sides, slightly away from your torso with your palms facing upward. Scan your body one last time. If you perceive a remaining muscle tension, use you’re your breath and the power of your intention to help you relax. Make sure you are comfortable and make any adjustment you think is necessary.

2. Close your eyes. Take a slow and cleansing breath through the nose, then to exhale, open your mouth and sigh it out. Let your intention be to allow your body to fully relax into the floor. Watch it becoming soft and heavy, only rising and falling with the rhythm of your breath.

3. Do not worry if thoughts come to your awareness. With love, release all control of your mind, your breath and your body. Let your body move deeper and deeper into a state of total relaxation. It’s in this space where integration and healing takes place. Stay in savasana for 10 to 15 minutes, or even longer, without falling asleep.

4. To start coming out of the pose, intuitively choose a part of your body to move first. From that first move, begin to carefully move other parts of your body. Softly rock your head from side to side; this will give a gentle massage to the back of your head and bring back movement to your spine. Bend your knees, roll to one side and remain there for a few more breaths. Then open your eyes and push yourself up with your hands. Take a moment to perceive your body and the space around you.