Yoga Tips: The Lesson in the Corpse Pose

Yoga in Sanskrit means union. The science of yoga is to unite body, mind, and spirit, not only through movement, but through meditation and breathing. Yoga is movement meditation. However, as I've learned in my studies of Raja Yoga, it is stillness. It is peace. It is surrender. It is the true art of letting go.

Yoga doesn't have to be an exercise that leaves one exhausted and gasping for air by the end of the session. It can be a movement ritual that promotes tranquility and contemplation of the self. It is an intimate time spent between self and one's Higher Power or Higher Self.

During a time when technology reigns supreme and everyone is moving quickly from one point to the next, a posture such as the Corpse Pose or Savasana (shah-vah-sah-nah) can be a challenge. Think about it - one of the things we have the hardest time doing is slowing down...relaxing...letting go.

I'm guilty of this as well. I've taken vacation from my regular job then proceeded to use that time off to get a lot of work done such as writing articles, cleaning up my apartment, cleaning out my car, running errands for myself, etc. Perhaps, I would take some time each evening of the vacation week to relax and watch a movie or spend time out with a friend for dinner and dancing, but the majority of my time 'off from work' was spent working. And although, I love my work I knew I had to take time out for me. I had to learn how to just surrender to the spirit of my Higher Self and my Higher Power and let go. Be still.

Practicing the Corpse Pose

Simply lie down on your back, either on your mat or the floor. Breathe normally. Relax each part of your body - one after the other. Release and allow your body to sink into the ground. A visualization (mental image) that helps me with this is seeing myself on the earth (the dirt or grass) and slowly sinking into the earth. I allow all negative energies from my physical and spiritual body to sink into the ground away from me. I surrender all worries and fears. I surrender everything, including my need to do everything. You can stay in this pose for 5-15 minutes. This posture is relaxing. Allow yourself several minutes each day to simply...surrender.

Sharing This Knowledge

I share this knowledge with you as a yoga (a student and practitioner of yoga), not as a certified yoga teacher. Blessings to you on your path!