For some, savasana or final resting pose in class may be our favorite part of Yoga. For others, it may be a time when we find ourselves in complete stillness and begin to recognize all of the resistance in our body to this feeling.
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Savasana is vital to the completion of a yoga practice. In savasana we welcome and witness. We let our bodies feel the echo of each pose that we moved into throughout class. In this stillness we welcome silence and open to the feeling of surrender. We let go of controlling the breath and we soften each part of the body allowing the muscles to move away from the bones. We create space in the joints and in between thoughts. In this relaxation the body shifts back into alignment before we continue on with our day or evening. Savasana is where we let the sand settle and the water to become clear. The chatter of the mind finds balance. We shift into rest and digest mode as the parasympathetic nervous system becomes activated from our mindful breath and movement.
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It is important to recognize that sometimes as we rest here it feels wonderful, peaceful, calming, and energizing. It is also very possible that in this stillness we may feel all of the uncomfortable sensations in the body, the aching, or the anxiety. Understand that there is no right or wrong when it comes to feeling on your mat. Know that you have the strength to hold space for both the comfortable and uncomfortable.
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One of my teachers says that in savasana we complete one cycle and as we roll over to our right side into the fetal position it represents a rebirth and start of a new cycle. In stillness we accept the whole of ourselves. So rest easy sweet soul and enjoy this journey.
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www.dragonflyyogastudio.com/yoga
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(This was my view today from savasana after my first outdoor practice in months!)
ABOUT AUTHOR SAMANTHA BARRETT
Samantha Barrett is a 500 hr Advanced Vinyasa Yoga Instructor from Bucks County, PA. She received her 200 hr Yoga Teacher Training from Dragonfly under the direction of Alexis Ridge-Simek in 2015. She also studied with Rolf Gates (500hr), Seane Corn, Mas Vidal, Karl Straub, & Maria Garre. Her classes invite the student to explore the body & breath on the mat in a way that deepens awareness, creates flexibility, and awakens true nature. She is a certified Reiki II Practitioner under the guidance of Valerie & Ian Haag and has completed 16 hrs of Thai Yoga Bodywork training from the Vedic Conservatory. She graduated from Temple University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Education and her passion for teaching has lead her into the light of Yoga.