how to rest when laying down isn’t an option
No matter how delicious this final posture may seem, there are times when we want to skip the savasana. (And if you are a teacher, save this blog for those times when you find your students needing support when they simply can’t relax in final rest.)
But there are actually several good reasons why we (or our students) may need to “sneak” out of class or turn off the video before finishing with a deep relaxation.
First, it may not be comfortable to lie on the ground, especially if you are in an environment without the props necessary to feel supported.
In addition, although it may seem counterintuitive for a restorative posture, savasana can heighten our anxiety.
Plus, in the winter, laying on the floor with the arms extended for a sustained period of time can cool the body too much… after all, in this season, our sequences are often designed to kindle our inner pilot light, and a savasana on the cold bamboo floors can snuff out the warmth.
At the same time, savasana truly bolsters our well-being.
It allows us to open the chest, reduce muscle tension to free the breath, and clears the way for the diaphragm to move fully and create space to welcome the air.
When our breathing is full and free, it can elicit the relaxation response, which can regulate our nervous system as well as shift our ability to make mindful and conscious decisions… which not only benefits us but also everyone we come into contact with.
In addition, from a physical perspective, opening the chest can have a soothing effect on the sore chest and coughs that are lingering from winter illnesses.
So how do we receive (and share with our students) these benefits without a classic savasana?
In this case, I recommend a seated savasana in a chair.
Not only does this posture allow us to feel supported, relaxed, and warm without a pile of props, but we can use it as a training ground to learn how to rest and relax in other moments of our lives.
Imagine a brief savasana in an office chair for a few minutes before a meeting… or at a dining room table before an important family conversation… these micro practices can create space to pause and allow for deep listening and mutual understanding.
I’d love for you to try a 10-minute seated savasana yourself, and if you’re a teacher, consider how you may share this in your offerings.
In this challenging time on the planet, Restorative Yoga is an empowering practice that helps us regulate our nervous system, release the tension and trauma we harbor in our bodies, and feel more connected, open, and at ease.
If you’re looking to add skills to your toolkit, you’re invited to explore more in my upcoming virtual Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, which:
Delivers the science-backed whys of Restorative Yoga in a way that is clear, relatable, and applicable
Weaves in Yogic and Buddhist principles of the heart
Offers step-by-step pose clinics to learn a wide variety of ways to prop and personalize 11 core restorative postures
Dives into teaching methodology along with guiding and cueing
Offers a 100+ page downloadable and printable manual with detailed images of postures
Will share so much more!
Plus, if you register now, you’ll receive FREE access to my current Friday practice series, Winter Medicine.
I hope you’ll consider joining us.
