What’s the Point of Savasana?

In yoga, we spend so much of our time focusing on strength, flexibility, and fluid movement. We flow through poses with intention, aligning our breath with each movement. But then, when it’s time to lie down in Savasana, the final resting pose, many of us find ourselves struggling. It’s as if the body has just worked so hard and now, in the stillness, our mind takes over. Suddenly, we’re bombarded with a million thoughts. Our minds race, the to-do list floods in, and we find it hard to let go.

Isn’t it curious? The final pose, where we are meant to rest and fully integrate our practice, often becomes the most difficult one to attain. But why is that?

The Power of Savasana: A Pose of Integration

Savasana, often referred to as the “Corpse Pose,” isn’t simply about lying down after an energetic flow. It's a time for deep integration—allowing your body and mind to absorb the benefits of your practice. But, beyond that, it is also an opportunity to practice stillness, presence, and letting go.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of Savasana:

• Relaxation and Stress Relief: In Savasana, your body enters a deep state of relaxation, which helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This reduces overall stress and anxiety.

• Mental Clarity: By calming your nervous system and entering stillness, you allow space for mental clarity and a sense of inner peace. This helps reset your mind and enhances focus and concentration for the rest of your day.

• Physical Recovery: During the stillness of Savasana, your muscles release the tension that may have accumulated during your practice. It’s a time for your body to recover and rejuvenate.

• Emotional Integration: Yoga isn’t just about physical movement; it’s also about emotional release. Savasana gives you the space to process any emotions that arose during your practice, allowing them to settle and be integrated into your being.

However, despite all of these incredible benefits, Savasana remains one of the most challenging poses for many practitioners. Why?

The Struggle with Stillness: The Monkey Mind

To understand why Savasana can feel so difficult, let’s take a look at what’s often called the monkey mind.

The term “monkey mind” refers to the restless, wandering, often chaotic nature of our thoughts. Just like a monkey jumping from tree to tree, our minds tend to hop from one thought to the next, constantly swinging from one idea, worry, or desire to another.

The Monkey in the Tree: A Dharma Tale

Once upon a time, there was a monkey who lived in a lush forest filled with fruit trees. The monkey loved the fruit and would swing from tree to tree, eating every fruit it could reach. One day, the monkey sat in a tree surrounded by an abundance of ripe, delicious fruit. It had everything it could want, yet the monkey didn’t stop. It continued jumping from branch to branch, from one fruit to the next, always looking for something more. No matter how much fruit the monkey had, it could never sit still and savor the moment. The monkey was too distracted by the next tree, the next fruit, the next thought.

This is the nature of the mind. In Savasana, we are asked to stop jumping from thought to thought, to rest in the present moment and simply be. But just like the monkey, the mind is often unwilling to stop swinging. It seeks the next distraction, the next fruit, the next thought, preventing us from experiencing true stillness.

Savasana: The Practice of Letting Go

Savasana is the antidote to the monkey mind. It asks us to surrender, to release our need to do, and to simply be. It’s a practice of letting go—letting go of the need to control, letting go of distractions, letting go of the stories we carry with us. When we can quiet the mind in Savasana, we create a space where healing, integration, and self-awareness can take place.

This doesn’t mean that your mind will suddenly be free of thoughts. Rather, Savasana teaches us to observe those thoughts without getting lost in them. It’s the art of witnessing without attachment. Like the monkey, we may still jump from thought to thought, but in Savasana, we learn to watch the thoughts from a distance, without identifying with them or following them down the rabbit hole.

How to Make Savasana Easier

If you find Savasana challenging, know that you’re not alone. The monkey mind is a universal experience. But with time and practice, you can cultivate the ability to find peace in stillness. Here are a few tips to help you settle into Savasana more comfortably:

1. Focus on Your Breath: Use your breath as an anchor. When your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to your inhales and exhales. This will help you stay connected to the present moment.

2. Release Tension in the Body: If you’re holding tension anywhere, consciously release it. Imagine each exhale as an opportunity to let go of physical or emotional tightness.

3. Practice Mindful Awareness: Instead of forcing your mind to be still, practice simply noticing your thoughts without judgment. Let the thoughts come and go, like clouds passing through the sky.

4. Set an Intention: Before lying down, set an intention for your Savasana—whether it’s to let go of stress, to find peace, or to simply be present. This can help guide your practice and make it more meaningful.

Savasana as a Reflection of Life

Savasana is more than just a physical posture—it is a reflection of life itself. In yoga, we learn to let go of what no longer serves us. We release old patterns, stress, and distractions to make room for healing and growth. But this practice doesn’t just end on the mat; it carries over into our daily lives. Learning to rest in stillness and let go of the monkey mind can help us find peace in the chaos of the world around us.

At Asana Tribe Yoga Spain, we believe that yoga is not just about strength and flexibility; it’s about finding balance and peace. And sometimes, the most challenging part of the practice is simply being still. But it’s in that stillness, that silence, where true transformation can happen.

If you’re ready to explore the power of Savasana and deepen your practice, join us for a class and experience the art of letting go.