Whether you have visited our studio a few times or are a seasoned yogi, you already know that we start and end every class with a pose called Savasana. This posture is often thought of as the hardest of the Modo series. In todays society, there is a large focus on always moving, going, getting to the next task as fast and proficiently as possible. What we are missing is a focus on the importance of taking time, creating space, and connecting with breath.

In coming to a yoga class, we always have the best intentions, but often end up cursing our way through traffic and rushing in the door just in the nick of time. In Savasana, we are forced to just be, if only for a moment before moving into the practice of yoga. This posture, also referred to as corpse pose, allows the release of everything that happened in the day leading up a yoga practice. It allows space where it is ok not to be constantly on the go. Most importantly, it provides an opportunity to connect to breath. Breath is the fuel of life and practice. Breath can also be used as a tool to calm the body and mind. The practice of Savasana should take a mimimim of ten minutes, but most don’t allow themselves that.

In our traditional Modo series, we also have a space for Savasana built into the practice, right in the middle, separating the standing from the floor series. It gives students an opportunity to separate both portions. In the North American culture, we have a tendency to be so hard on ourselves, always striving for perfection. This ego also pops its ugly head up in our practice. The mid-Savasana gives students the chance to let go of all of the judgement or attachment that may have popped up in the first half of their practice. It also gives students an opportunity to come back to the roots of the yoga practice, their breath.

The end of class is the final chance to practice the pose Savasana. Consider this as what you have worked for throughout your practice. This is the chance to just sink into the mat, letting everything go. This posture allows the body to return back to “normal”. It allows the heart rate to lower, muscles to let go and the body temperature to begin lowering. It also allows the student to absorb the peace and the space they created in their body. This is the posture that connects everything in practice together, without it, practice is incomplete.

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(Originally published June 20, 2017)