Despite its outward simplicity, Corpse Pose (savasana) is among the hardest poses to master. Some say this pose is nothing less than a death meditation that engenders the ability to live and die with grace. Naturally we demonstrated this final resting pose at the Tomb of Kitines reproduction in the Royal Ontario Museum’s Egypt Gallery.
1. Begin by setting a timer for 10 minutes.
2. Recline on a firm, flat surface and arrange your physical body: centre the head; rest the arms away from the body at a 45 degree angle, with palms turned up; and place the legs equidistant from the midline. Allow the feet to flop out to the sides.
3. Bury the eyes deep behind their lids. Separate the biting surfaces of the teeth and relax the root of the tongue. Allow the social mask to soften and fall away.
4. Unlatch the belly, release the pelvic floor, and surrender to the ebb and flow of the breath.
5. Perceive everything, but interpret nothing.
6. Resist the urge to fall asleep.
Death benefits
Tempting as it may be, Corpse Pose is the one pose that should never be omitted from a yoga practice. Skipping Corpse Pose is a little like preparing a feast but then not sitting down to enjoy it. It is a counter-pose to each of the active poses that come before it, and it reminds our bodies that, to be competent and pain free, our muscles must know how and when to engage and relax. Corpse Pose also puts us in touch with the body and breath in the present moment and gives us valuable practice in surrendering to the inevitable.
YuMee Chung is a recovering lawyer who teaches yoga in Toronto. She is on the faculty of a number of yoga teacher training programs and leads international yoga retreats. Learn more about her at padmani.com
YuMee Chung is a recovering lawyer who teaches yoga in Toronto. She is on the faculty of a number of yoga teacher training programs and leads international yoga retreats. Learn more about her at padmani.com
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