This one has a lot of fans. We even sell shirts that say, “I’m just here for savasana.” There are, however, people who would prefer to skip it. Savasana, or Corpse Pose, looks simple, but it requires us to surrender into one of yoga’s deepest practices: relaxation. Real relaxation. Not watching TV, not scrolling, chatting, snacking, or reading a book.
Savasana is, in many ways, one of the most challenging postures. It asks us to become still, soften our effort, release the need to accomplish anything, and simply be present with what is.
Sanskrit
(shah-VAHS-ah-nah)
The Sanskrit name Savasana comes from sava, meaning “corpse,” and asana, meaning “pose” or “seat.”
The name refers to the complete stillness of the body in the posture. Traditionally practiced at the end of an asana practice, Savasana allows the body and mind to absorb the effects of our practice without adding any more effort.
Benefits
Although Savasana appears to be “just lying down,” it can be one of the most beneficial parts of a yoga practice.
Regular practice may help:
How to Practice
Savasana should feel restful and supported. Some possible variations:
Savasana is generally accessible to most people, but lying flat may not be comfortable for everyone. If you experience discomfort in the low back, neck, hips, or while lying flat, modify the position with props or practice on your side.
For anyone who finds stillness uncomfortable or experiences anxiety when lying quietly, keeping the eyes open, shortening the hold, or practicing a gentle breath awareness exercise can make the experience more accessible.
The Deeper Practice
The word “corpse” can sound a little morbid, but the deeper teaching of Savasana isn't about death in a frightening sense. It is an invitation to contemplate impermanence. Everything changes. Our bodies change. Seasons change. Relationships change. Our plans change. We change.
Another way to think of it is that when we come into savasana it is the "death" of our practice, and the end of some of the limiting thoughts or ego-driven beliefs that may have dissolved during practice.
Savasana gives us a small, safe opportunity to practice letting go — of effort, expectations, tension, and the belief that we always need to be in control. We surrender to the moment exactly as it is. Maybe that is why Savasana can be so powerful. We practice letting go before we are forced to let go.
As we begin our October journey into the shadows, Savasana reminds us that transformation doesn't always begin with action. Sometimes, it begins with stillness. Sometimes, we have to pause before we can become something new. And sometimes, the most profound thing we can do is simply allow ourselves to be supported.
Savasana is, in many ways, one of the most challenging postures. It asks us to become still, soften our effort, release the need to accomplish anything, and simply be present with what is.
Sanskrit
(shah-VAHS-ah-nah)
The Sanskrit name Savasana comes from sava, meaning “corpse,” and asana, meaning “pose” or “seat.”
The name refers to the complete stillness of the body in the posture. Traditionally practiced at the end of an asana practice, Savasana allows the body and mind to absorb the effects of our practice without adding any more effort.
Benefits
Although Savasana appears to be “just lying down,” it can be one of the most beneficial parts of a yoga practice.
Regular practice may help:
- Encourage deep physical relaxation
- Calm the nervous system
- Reduce physical and mental tension
- Promote a sense of rest and restoration
- Improve body awareness
- Help integrate the physical and mental effects of your practice
- Create space for mindfulness and meditation
- Practice releasing control and effort
How to Practice
- Lie comfortably on your back with your legs extended or supported by a bolster, blanket, or pillow.
- Allow your feet to relax outward naturally.
- Rest your arms beside you, palms facing up or down.
- Let your shoulders soften away from your ears.
- Close your eyes or soften your gaze.
- Take a few slow, intentional breaths.
- Gradually allow the breath to return to its natural rhythm.
- Notice where you may still be holding tension.
- Without forcing anything, allow the muscles of the face, jaw, shoulders, belly, hands, and feet to soften.
- Stay for several minutes, simply observing the sensations of being still.
Savasana should feel restful and supported. Some possible variations:
- Bolster under the knees: A great option if the low back feels uncomfortable when the legs are extended.
- Blanket under the head: Provides gentle support if your neck feels strained or your chin tips upward.
- Blanket over the body: Helpful when you tend to get cold during relaxation and can create an additional sense of comfort and grounding.
- Side-lying Savasana: A wonderful alternative for anyone who doesn't feel comfortable lying flat on the back.
- Feet on a chair: Place the lower legs on a chair or couch to create a supported, restorative version of the pose.
- Hands on the belly or heart: For those who find the traditional arm position uncomfortable, resting the hands on the body can provide a comforting point of connection.
Savasana is generally accessible to most people, but lying flat may not be comfortable for everyone. If you experience discomfort in the low back, neck, hips, or while lying flat, modify the position with props or practice on your side.
For anyone who finds stillness uncomfortable or experiences anxiety when lying quietly, keeping the eyes open, shortening the hold, or practicing a gentle breath awareness exercise can make the experience more accessible.
The Deeper Practice
The word “corpse” can sound a little morbid, but the deeper teaching of Savasana isn't about death in a frightening sense. It is an invitation to contemplate impermanence. Everything changes. Our bodies change. Seasons change. Relationships change. Our plans change. We change.
Another way to think of it is that when we come into savasana it is the "death" of our practice, and the end of some of the limiting thoughts or ego-driven beliefs that may have dissolved during practice.
Savasana gives us a small, safe opportunity to practice letting go — of effort, expectations, tension, and the belief that we always need to be in control. We surrender to the moment exactly as it is. Maybe that is why Savasana can be so powerful. We practice letting go before we are forced to let go.
As we begin our October journey into the shadows, Savasana reminds us that transformation doesn't always begin with action. Sometimes, it begins with stillness. Sometimes, we have to pause before we can become something new. And sometimes, the most profound thing we can do is simply allow ourselves to be supported.
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