Corpse Pose
Savasana is often called the most important and the hardest pose: lying completely still while staying aware. It lets the body and mind integrate the practice.
- Level
- Beginner
- Hold
- 5–15 minutes
- Focus
- Deep relaxation
- Steps
- 6 cues · ~1 min
- Let the floor hold you
- Nothing to do
- Release the jaw
Step by step
How to do Corpse Pose
StartLie on your back.
- 1
Lie on your back with legs extended slightly wider than the hips.
- 2
Let the feet fall open naturally.
- 3
Rest the arms a little away from the body, palms up.
- 4
Place a bolster under the knees if the lower back is uncomfortable.
- 5
Close your eyes and release effort from the face, jaw and shoulders.
- 6
Let the breath become natural and simply rest.
- ↩
Coming out. Deepen the breath, move fingers and toes, roll onto your right side, then press up slowly to sit.
Breath
Natural, unforced breathing.
Focus
Deep relaxation
Why practise it
Promotes deep rest and is traditionally the integration of practice.
Alignment
Cues & common mistakes
Aim for Body symmetrical; neck long; supported where needed.
Teacher’s cues
- “Let the floor hold you”
- “Nothing to do”
- “Release the jaw”
Watch out for
Skipping it, or fidgeting; feeling cold — use a blanket.
Make it yours
Easier, harder, supported
Bolster under knees; blanket for warmth; lie on the side in pregnancy.
- Supported Savasana with bolster
- Yoga Nidra guided relaxation
- Bolster under knees
- Blanket
- Eye pillow
In a sequence
Where it fits in a flow
BeforeReclined Twist
This poseCorpse Pose
AfterEasy Seat
Good to know
Questions
How long should Savasana be?
A common guide is about five minutes for every 30 minutes of practice.
Is it OK to fall asleep?
It happens, but the aim is relaxed awareness.
Described in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika as removing fatigue and bringing rest to the mind.
What helps
Props that make this easier
- Non-slip yoga mat A 4–6 mm mat with good grip makes standing poses steadier. View on Amazon
- Cork yoga block Brings the floor closer in forward folds and supported poses. View on Amazon
- Cotton yoga strap Extends your reach in hamstring and shoulder stretches. View on Amazon
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