Corpse Pose
Lying completely still on the back. The hardest asana in the book, and the one that makes every other one worth doing. Never skip it.
Meaning of the name
The corpse. The name is not gentle, and it is not meant to be — the instruction is to let go of everything, including the effort to let go.
How to practise
- 1
Lie on the back with the legs a comfortable distance apart, feet falling open, arms slightly away from the body with the palms up.
- 2
Close the eyes. Make any adjustment you need, then commit to complete stillness.
- 3
Let the breath find its own rhythm; do not manage it.
- 4
Move attention slowly through the body from the feet upward, releasing each part as you reach it.
- 5
Stay for at least five minutes after any practice — ten after a strong one. Come out by moving the fingers and toes first, then rolling onto the right side.
Benefits
- Allows the nervous system to absorb the effects of everything practised before it
- Lowers blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol measurably
- Relieves insomnia, fatigue and anxiety
- Teaches conscious relaxation, which is a distinct skill from sleeping
- Restores energy more efficiently than a nap of the same length