We ask a lot of our body and mind on the mat as we maneuver from pose to pose in yoga. It’s essential to give yourself an opportunity to absorb these efforts and restore!
Therefore, never skip savasana, or corpse pose at the end of your practice (you can substitute other restorative options on occasion). Even if you’re cutting out of yoga class early, give yourself adequate time to rest. Ideally, at least 5 to 10 minutes.
While I wrote a blog on savasana last year, I also wanted to share this instructional video.
You can also assume savasana during practice to revitalize the body. For more information, please read last year’s blog.
Rest well!
Sophie Herbert is an alignment focused yoga teacher (and perpetual student), a singer-songwriter, and a visual artist. She has lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in India; teaches yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan; and recently released her first full-length album, "Take a Clear Look." Please visit her website at SophieHerbert.com.
From: Restful Medicine!! Yoga On the Mat | | 4/24/12 at 12:55 pm
[...] You can roll onto your right side and rest or, if you’re using a blanket on top of a wooden floor, gently slide away from the walls by pushing through the feet. The latter is my preferred exit. Not only is it somewhat amusing, but it allows the spine to rest in a neutral position, free of extra torsion. It’s also an excellent way to transition into savasana. [...]