At the end of every yoga practice, it is custom to wind down and let go of all the work, the concentration, the effort, the sweat, and settle into a position of total relaxation: savasana. You are typically advised to take a minute or two to allow yourself to fall into this restorative position and release everything you’ve been holding up until that time. While it looks like you are simply laying down, it can actually be quite difficult to settle completely, let go of everything, move away from your ujjayi breath and fall into an empty mind.
Regardless of the day I had, the people I’ve interacted with, the location of the studio, the teacher, the fellow yogis, my immediate worries or excitements, the songs playing, I always have the same free minded dreams. In every single savasana when I truly empty my mind and let myself just be, I am dancing. I am free in a meadow, in the sun, in a white dress, dancing. By myself and soaking up the world around me, I am dancing.
It is such a freeing experience that I strongly dislike being pulled away from by the sound of a voice letting us know that it is time to bring awareness back into our bodies. I love a savasana especially when proper time is given for your body to embrace it fully. It makes me wonder if others experience the same feelings, the same escape. So, I close with a question: what is your savasana?
Photo credit: Rachel Brathen. If you’re looking for inspiration in yoga, fitness, or just life in general, check her out. She’s a wonderful carefree spirit who is constantly seizing life and living in the moment. Her Instagram is an especially inspiring daily boost: @Yoga_Girl.
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