Aaaahhhhhhh......Sivasana

Rest is the sweet sauce of labor. – Plutarch

Today I’m reminded that I am not super human. Crazy, I know. Like you, I juggle a family, friends, career/school and day-to-day life. What I don't always factor into my day is sleep and today my body has reminded me that it needs to happen.

Our bodies need rest. Our minds, central nervous systems, organs and muscles need ample time to recover. As we exert ourselves physically, it sends a stress response to the brain. Any time your heart rate increases to elevated levels, the body goes into stress mode. We tend to only think of stress as a negative thing, but in our bodies, it is what increases our endurance, makes us faster, leaner and stronger. However, moderation is key. We want to increase the stress on our bodies physically to a point, and then take time to come back and recover so toxins can flush out and muscles can repair themselves. Without taking this time, you run a greater risk of injury and illness.

Have you ever jealously watched a cat or dog laying around lazily? Unlike many of us, animals are keenly aware of this need to take time and rest. My dogs are experts at making time to rest and perhaps we should take a cue from our furry companions. No matter what is going on around them, they seem to be able to tune it out and find Savasana without even being directed in how to do it.

This leads me to one of my one of my favorite yoga poses that is frequently overlooked by practitioners even sometimes teachers: Savasana, or corpse pose. After a yoga practice or workout, hectic day at the office or after a stressful moment in your day, be sure to take time to completely rest in stillness for at least two minutes.

This is best done by relaxing on your back on the floor, letting the feet fall open, palms turn upward with the arms resting slightly wide slightly off to your sides. If your mind has trouble quieting down, focus on the breath. Feel the deep sensations of it pulling into the body and any left over tension leaving with the exhale. As the mind wanders, keep coming back to the internal sound of the breath resinating within. Everything from the forehead and jaw down to the tips of the toes should remain relaxed. Observation of the breath and release of the body are key in absorbing the benefits of this pose and letting the stress disappear so you can move forward with the rest of your day. 

May you enjoy this peaceful rest.I’m going to take mine right now…