Shavasana - The Corpse Asana
Shava-asana - The Corpse Asana [Pronounced - sha-vah-sa-na]
Translation: The Sanskrit word shava means corpse hence this is the Corpse. The shava-asana is also known as the mrta-asana.
The Corpse Asana (Shavasana) Instruction
1. Lie down on your back flat and your legs simultaneous but not in contact placing your arms near to your body with the palms facing upward.
2. Take deep breathes through nostrils at low rate of speed with your eyes softly closed and relaxed facial muscles.
3. Pay attention to all parts of your body. Begin at the head, advancing in the downward direction towards feet with complete awareness of relaxing each body part and then move on to the next.
4. Take 3 to 5 minutes or longer and stay in shava-asana. If drowsiness overcomes you while in shava-asana then start taking deep breathes at fast rate.
Comments
Many might consider this asana to be very simple and easy but once you practice it, it is then you realize its complexity. The main aim of shavasana is to relax the mind and body. Both the mind and body should be put to ease spiritually. Neither move your body nor any brain storming. Attempt to be calm and quiet! As a result you will achieve constant and profound rest, which further stretches in to meditation.
Needless to say that to perfect shavasana will take quite a while. A good help with this asana is found by plain training of concentrating on each body part with conscious direction of the breath.
You might face two common hindrances that will impede you attain full benefits from this asana. These two obstacles are restless mind and sleepiness. If you experience drowsiness in performing shavasana then start taking deep breathes at a faster rate. Try to keep your mind quiet, if not then start to concentrate on your body sensations. Try to bring your mind in accordance with the beat of your breath or the feeling of the floor beneath you.
You should always end your yoga asana regime with practicing shavasana at the end.
Duration/Repetition
Start your yoga asana practice with at the least 2 - 5 minutes of shavasana. Throughout your asana session return to it from time to time to relax and restore the mind and body, with the end of your yoga asana session with a 3-5 minutes of shavasana.