Searching for Savasana

Someone once asked me what they were supposed to be doing during savasana. Savasana, or corpse pose is the pose that is done at the end, and in many cases the beginning, of Yoga classes. It is supposed to be the most difficult of yoga poses, not because it is physically demanding in the traditional "A" type way, but because it demands of us a balance between consciousness and unconsciousness. Often likened to floating over your own body, aware of it's physical state, but also aware of it's ethereal nature.

Many times over the years I have toyed with how to lead my students into their savasana. I have experimented with different words and phrases. I always wondered what combination of talking and silence would allow my classes to reach that state of true savasana. Recently though, I have become privy to the inner workings of some of my students' savasana. One of my students (and she knows who she is....wink, wink) told me that savasana in my classes involves her standing in her sumptuous walk-in closet, surveying her clothes and accessories and choosing what she is going to wear that day or for a special function. When my voice softly coaxes her our of savasana, she envisions herself walking serenely out of her closet, content in the knowledge that she has ironed out all her wardrobe kinks.

Another student told me that he mentally goes through a laundry list of the tasks that he has to accomplish. He makes mental notes on tasks only half-way completed, makes adjustments to due dates and reassigns tasks to other members of his work team and family. He never comes out of savasana without clicking his mental "save" button.

So here is the question: Is Savasana any less effective if used as a time to take mental stock of one's life? Instead of staying present in one's body, is it OK for us to let it wander a bit as long as there is a purpose and on a very short leash?

I personally find it difficult to clear my mind and keep it present in my body and breath. Should I expect any more from my students? Once long ago, my Kundalini Yoga Guru likened the mind in savasana and meditation to a big room being used for an audition. Your consciousness is like the auditioner, sitting at the front of the room. Your thoughts are like the hopeful auditionees, filtering one-by-one into the room doing their shtick. Your consciousness has the ability to say to each thought, "Yes you are important, let's deal with you right now" or "No, you're not so important. We'll put you aside for now". I like this way of thinking! It means that when I am in savasana or meditating and an overwhelming thought shows up and I can't help but think about this thought or hash it through in my mind, I'm actually doing a good job at savasana or meditation. It also makes the corpse pose and the practice of meditation much more accessible to the average person. The average person, that is, that finds it very difficult to "empty" her mind and to "think of nothing".