Day 3 of IDJSIJ Challenge - She's only MOSTLY Dead

​I’m going to rename this series my January Sock Fashion Show. Today’s pose is Savasana, featuring this lovely furry striped number I got for Christmas. Enjoy!

Savasana (pronounced “Shiv-AH-sun-uh”) ismy favorite yoga pose and the one I never do, unless I’m taking a class as a student. Also creepily known as Corpse Pose, Savasana is like the period at the end of the sentence. It’s the time your body relaxes and integrates all the energy that got shifted around in your movement practice. For some students, the whole point of the hour of asana practice is just to get to this part where another grown adult orders you to lie down and be quiet for 10 minutes, and you are profoundly grateful. For others, this is just a weird form of yoga torture, and they either feel bullied into participating, or just refuse and keep exercising instead. If you are in the latter category, you might not be reading this post, since you likely find it nearly impossible to sit still doing jack shit. Oddly enough, you are also the personality type I’m writing this series for. Slow down, sister! You're working too hard.

Props:
In Savasana, as in all restorative poses, comfort is key. That means that if any part of your body is not comfortably grounded or is in any sort of stress, you need to bring the ground up to meet your body via a prop. Common areas of trouble when lying flat are:

• Uncomfortable arch in lower spine – remedy is a rolled up blanket, bolster, or blocks under the KNEES, not the back
• Shoulders roll forward, causing the chin to elevate above the forehead – remedy is a folded blanket under the head or a rolled towel under the neck
• Getting cold as your body goes still – sweaters, socks, and blanket on before you lie down
• Too bright – lavender eye bag or towel over the eyes

Modifications:
If you have back problems, you can modify by doing legs on a chair or keep the knees bent, feet flat on floor with knees knocked in together. If you are pregnant, have reflux, or difficulties breathing, you might be more comfortable with the chest and head elevated higher than the hips and legs.

If you’ve ever been told by a medical professional that you shouldn’t lie flat on your back, don’t! It’s not Savasana, but you could always curl up on the side in the fetal position with your head on a blanket. It’s your mat and your practice, so let your body be your guide - not your mind intruding to say “Listen body, you should be doing it this way and that’s what you’re doing to do, or else!”

Happy resting, friends!