I am called the ‘King of Shavasana’ in my yoga class. For those who are not initiated into yoga, ‘Shavasana’ means a corpse pose. This pose is essential at the end of every yoga practice as it relaxes and rejuvenates the body and mind while reducing stress and tension. At the end of the class as our yoga guru, makes us relax in Shavasana for around 2-3 minutes, I end up extending this relaxation pose to almost 20 minutes!!!
There are 2 types of responses that I get for my extended time in this ‘divine’ pose. First, from those who just can’t seem to relax. They are the ones who can barely keep their eyes shut for few moments at the end of the class and are eager to jump out of this relaxation state before even the teacher asks them to come out. And then there is the second lot of students who envy me for going in this deep state of relaxation un-relentlessly at the end of each class, wishing they too, could achieve this state of ‘cut-off’ mode.
The point I’m trying to make is that many of us can’t easily get into the mode of relaxation as we are constantly bombarded with thoughts in the mind or we are running towards deadlines. Stopping and pausing in silence is seen as unproductive. In fact, only when we are relaxed, can our body and mind function at an optimum level.
To be able to rest, we need to stop doing things. And we do that ONLY when we go to sleep. Even this sleep is not sufficient enough to give us good rest. Or else why would most of us wake up with a heavy head or feeling not rested. For true relaxation, we need to connect with our bodies -- to consciously and intentionally become aware of tension and release it. And this is exactly what Shavasana does.
Our bodies function like bank accounts. In the bank, you NEED to deposit money in order to withdraw the money. Similarly our body needs rest for it to generate and store energy before we can use it at a later stage. This period of rest and recovery is the way the body builds the energy.
Try out this simple exercise which will help you relax instantly and build energy. Lie down flat on your back. If required, keep a thin pillow under your head. Keep your feet comfortably apart and let them flop to the sides. Keep your arms extended to the side, slightly away from the body, palms facing upwards, fingers gently curled, jaws loose and eyes gently closed. Make sure the whole body is completely loose and comfortable. Now be aware of your breath for few moments. Don’t alter your breathing rate. Just be aware of the incoming and outgoing breath. This mere observation of breath-awareness by itself will slow down your respiratory rate and induce relaxation. Use this ‘down time’ to good advantage. The affairs of the world will go on forever, but allow your body and mind to relax in this moment of stillness. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes. This state of restful alertness is one of the best methods of relaxation.
There are 2 types of responses that I get for my extended time in this ‘divine’ pose. First, from those who just can’t seem to relax. They are the ones who can barely keep their eyes shut for few moments at the end of the class and are eager to jump out of this relaxation state before even the teacher asks them to come out. And then there is the second lot of students who envy me for going in this deep state of relaxation un-relentlessly at the end of each class, wishing they too, could achieve this state of ‘cut-off’ mode.
The point I’m trying to make is that many of us can’t easily get into the mode of relaxation as we are constantly bombarded with thoughts in the mind or we are running towards deadlines. Stopping and pausing in silence is seen as unproductive. In fact, only when we are relaxed, can our body and mind function at an optimum level.
To be able to rest, we need to stop doing things. And we do that ONLY when we go to sleep. Even this sleep is not sufficient enough to give us good rest. Or else why would most of us wake up with a heavy head or feeling not rested. For true relaxation, we need to connect with our bodies -- to consciously and intentionally become aware of tension and release it. And this is exactly what Shavasana does.
Our bodies function like bank accounts. In the bank, you NEED to deposit money in order to withdraw the money. Similarly our body needs rest for it to generate and store energy before we can use it at a later stage. This period of rest and recovery is the way the body builds the energy.
Try out this simple exercise which will help you relax instantly and build energy. Lie down flat on your back. If required, keep a thin pillow under your head. Keep your feet comfortably apart and let them flop to the sides. Keep your arms extended to the side, slightly away from the body, palms facing upwards, fingers gently curled, jaws loose and eyes gently closed. Make sure the whole body is completely loose and comfortable. Now be aware of your breath for few moments. Don’t alter your breathing rate. Just be aware of the incoming and outgoing breath. This mere observation of breath-awareness by itself will slow down your respiratory rate and induce relaxation. Use this ‘down time’ to good advantage. The affairs of the world will go on forever, but allow your body and mind to relax in this moment of stillness. When you feel ready, slowly open your eyes. This state of restful alertness is one of the best methods of relaxation.
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1 comment:
i can relate to this topic so much. for me life is a race. i just can't come out of this rut. i want to slow down but dont know how.i just cant keep my eyes closed for a moment if not sleeping. i consider relaxing as a waste of time. there is so much of work at desk which doesnt seem to cease. but now i feel that it is my faulty thinking. i want to slow down and smell the roses.i want to connect back with life. have just joined a support group for help.
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