Shavasana is commonly misunderstood in yoga as a time to nap. After all that hard work in yoga, it’s tempting to just go to sleep… But there is so much more to it. The purpose of Shavasana is to promote a sense of deep relaxation, and help your body and mind to assimilate the full benefits of the asana (physical yoga practice). In order to achieve this you need to fully relax the body and mind so we can deepen awareness and gain the benefits of your practice. Also known as “Corpse Pose”; symbolising the idea of us needing to “die” in order to let go of old ways of thinking and being in order to adopt a more blissful state of being.
After so much time being bound to the actions of the body, our awareness is hopefully turned inwards and relieved of sensory distraction. Shavasana can then begin; a deeper meditative practice. Without the senses we can become more aware of the breath and our own state of mind with clarity and focus. The aim is to surrender so we can feel…well.. nothing.
In the words of Sage Abhinavagupta: “Abandon nothing. Take up nothing. Rest, abide in yourself, just as you are.”
