Struggling with Savasana?
Savasana is said to symbolise the death of old ways of thinking and doing. It aims to encourage feelings of nothingness and neutrality, a sense of surrender as we succumb to gravity and come into a deep state of rest.
This resting state has many benefits. Physical activity, such as yoga practice, increases our heart rate and breathing rate, works our muscles, and creates heat in the body (sweat!). The time in savasana is an opportunity for our bodies to rebalance and come gently back to a resting state, calming the nervous system. Hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which are released during challenging physical exercise and are associated with stress states, are reduced as we slow down and come to stillness; cells and tissues have a chance to repair and restore.
As well as balancing our bodies, for many, savasana is a meditative state of stillness. It's a time to let go of thoughts and still the mind, practising present moment awareness. There are many benefits of meditation on our physical and mental health, including reduced blood pressure and better immune function, reduced anxiety and improved concentration.
Despite these benefits and as much as we may want to rest, this pose can be challenging for some people. If you suffer from anxiety or find stillness difficult then it can feel uncomfortable. Many thoughts might come in during the silence and it’s hard to maintain present moment awareness without a focus on movement or breath as an anchor. We are conditioned to keep busy in our everyday lives, and the unfamiliarity of being still can end up making us nervous.
If this happens for you, you can try counting your breaths or using a mantra to stay present. These practices help to anchor you in the moment and quieten the rush of thoughts. You could also try keeping your eyes partially open so that you can stay present in the space you’re in. Each time you find your thoughts wandering to other places, gently come back to your anchor and say well done to yourself for noticing that your mind has wandered. Remember, this is a practice and it takes time to master.
Additionally, savasana can feel exposing for some people – lying with our hearts open and palms facing up might bring feelings of vulnerability, which will prevent feeling calm.
If this is your experience, try bending your knees, keeping the soles of your feet on the ground, and let your knees fall into the centre. You can also put your hands on your stomach or heart, which can feel very calming. If it still feels hard to relax, why not curl up on your side instead? The aim is for you to rest and find a place of calm, so find a position that feels safe where you can stay for a few minutes whilst your body rebalances. Finding a way that works for you sends a loving message to your body and mind that you’re allowed to be calm and still.
Feel free to let me know how you get on with these practices. I’d love to hear from you!
Jill x