by Nina

Although we end almost every yoga class we take (or teach) with Savasana, this powerful pose is often an afterthought and considered as “just resting.’ But when practiced correctly Savasana (also known as Corpse pose or Relaxation pose) provides deep physical rest, allowing you to completely relax your musculoskeletal system in an anatomically neutral position. And if you practice it with a mental focus—which we hope you will at least some of the time—this pose triggers the relaxation response, reducing your stress levels and allowing you to spend time in the Rest and Digest state. For those who can’t meditate in a seated position (or who prefer not to), you can use this pose for any form of meditation (as long as you don’t fall asleep). 

For those of you who are interested in learning more, we have a surprising amount of information on the blog about this often-underrated pose. In fact, we have some really wonderful posts from three well-known yoga teachers, Tias Little, Roger Cole, and Richard Rosen about the value of Savasana and how it should be practiced in order to gain the best results. We also have information about yoga nidra, which is basically a highly structured form of Savasana. So today I thought I’d put together an overview of all the information we have on the Savasana, which I have divided into the following categories: 

  1. Background on Savasana: Links to the articles by Roger Cole, Tias Little, and Richard Rosen.
  2. Instructions for Practicing Savasana: Links to articles written by Baxter and/or me with our basic instructions for practicing the pose, various alternatives for the physical posture (including side-lying and prone positions), and so on. 
  3. Yoga Nidra: Links to articles that describe what yoga nidra is, what its origins are, what its value is, and (unfortunately) sexual abuse scandals related to the teacher who developed it as well as others in his circle. 

Background on Savasana 

The Mind Coming Into Equilibrium: Roger Cole on Savasana: Part 1 of Leslie Howard’s interview with Roger Cole about Savasana

Drawing Inside and Quieting: Roger Cole on Savasana, Part 2: Part 2 of Leslie Howard’s interview with Roger Cole about Savasana

The Practice of Savasana: Interview with Tias Little, Part 1: Part 1 of Leslie Howard’s interview with Tias Little About Savasana

The Practice of Savasana: Interview with Tias Little, Part 2: Part 2 of Leslie Howard’s interview with Tias Little About Savasana

The Value of Not Doing: Richard Rosen on the value of practicing Savasana

Friday Q&A: Seated Meditation vs. Savasana: Nina and Timothy McCall debate the difference between seated meditation and Savasana

Instructions for Practicing 

8 Ways to Practice Savasana (Relaxation Pose): Instructions by Nina for practicing eight different variations of the pose.

Featured Restorative Pose: Supported Relaxation Pose: Instructions by Leza for practicing the most luxurious form of Savasana.

Featured Pose: Relaxation Pose (Savasana): Instructions by Nina and Baxter for practicing four different versions of the pose

How to Prepare for and Practice Savasana: Detailed information by Nina of how to prepare for and practice by Savasana.

Savasana Variations: Nina presents several variations pf the classic pose, including side lying and prone variations, with information about who should practice which ones

Savasana: Silent or Not: Baxter discusses the pros and cons of practicing in silence or with guiding instructions from a teacher

Yoga Nidra 

Friday Q&A: What is Yoga Nidra?: Baxter and Nina answer the basic question and compare yoga nidra to Savasana (Nina gives the surprising history of the practice, which is, in fact, not ancient)

Friday Q&A: Yoga Nidra, Restorative Yoga, Savasana, and Meditation: Baxter compares yoga nidra with Savasana, restorative yoga, and meditation

Anxiety, Meditation, and Yoga Nidra Baxter gives background about the practice and discusses how it helps him with anxiety 

Yoga Nidra, Satyananda Saraswati, and Sexual Abuse Nina presents information about sexual abuse accusations against the teacher who developed yoga nidra as well as others in his community

 

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