Savasana: The Unsung hero of Your Yoga Practice

By Amy Morrison

I remember taking my first 90-minute yoga class years ago and as the teacher called Savasana, the final resting pose, a few students started quietly packing up their things. My first thought was, “Great I can skip this part?! The teacher doesn’t seem to mind?! I’ve got places to be, and things to do!!” If you’re anything like I was, you might be tempted to bolt for the door as soon as those final words are uttered. But hold up—what if I told you that lying flat on your back could be the best, and most impactful part, of your yoga practice?

It wasn’t until many years later that I became a yoga teacher myself, that I realized, your yoga teacher really does care if you stay for Savasana… specifically for all the great benefits it provides and what you miss out on if you leave beforehand!

I get it, Savasana is simultaneously the easiest and most challenging posture of them all. During the physical practice there is no time for boredom when you are trying to breathe and not to fall over in certain balancing postures! Then, you get to Savasana, and the focus is suddenly gone. The mind has nothing to do, so it is easy to feel boredom, irritation, or racing thoughts about all the things that you could be doing.

I feel like there is a stigma in our culture (at least I feel it as a girl growing up in the West) that says being still is considered lazy, or unproductive, or even boring. That our self-worth can be found more in being busy and useful, than taking time for ourselves. The shift in my perspective came mostly through mediation and reading Emily Fletchers book “Stress Less, Accomplish More”. I realized that simply Being is as “productive” if not more, than Doing, and that some of my greatest moments of clarity have come from getting still and silent. By quieting the mental chatter, you can gain clarity of thought and insight into your own inner workings.

Savasana holds profound benefits for both body and mind, making it an essential component of any yoga practice. Today, let’s delve into the art of Savasana and explore why embracing this final resting pose is so crucial.

Stress, Hello Old Friend: Let’s talk science for a sec. Savasana triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, (your rest and digest response) and calms your sympathetic nervous system, (your fight, flight and freeze response). If we leave before the body resets, we can keep bodies in a fight or flight stress response, which can lead to elevated blood pressure, suppressed digestion, and a weaker immune system… no thank you!! Savasana offers a precious opportunity to reset our nervous system, let go of worries and anxieties, and foster a sense of inner peace. As you surrender into the pose, your body enters a state of calm, leading to a decrease in blood pressure and an increase in your immune and digestive systems. This reduction in stress on the cardiovascular system can have long-term health benefits. So instead of rushing off to your next task, why not let Savasana work its magic? It’s like hitting the reset button on your stress levels—trust me, your to-do list can wait.

Sleep like a Boss: I often struggled with sleep issues, tossing, and turning throughout the night. Savasana became my secret weapon for better sleep. By practicing Savasana, I was able to calm my mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. The deep relaxation of Savasana helped me achieve a more restful night’s sleep, leaving me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Abs Are Great, but Have You Tried Relaxing: I used to think yoga was all about getting a killer core workout. But Savasana showed me that sometimes, the best workout is a mental one. By practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment, you’ll strengthen your mind just as much as your muscles. By staying present with your breath and body sensations during Savasana, you can cultivate a deeper awareness of the present moment. This mindfulness can then be carried off the mat and into your daily life, helping you to stay centered and focused amidst life’s challenges.

The Zen Master’s Guide to Letting Go: Let’s face it—we all carry around a lot of responsibilities, obligations, and quick frankly baggage. But in Savasana, you can finally let go of all the stuff that’s weighing you down or no longer serves you. It’s like Marie Kondo-ing your mind, minus the tiny folding.

Savasana: The Original Power Nap: Who needs coffee when you’ve got Savasana? Okay, maybe not exactly, but hear me out. According to Emily Fletcher, “Stillness can provide 5 times deeper rest for your body than sleep”. That a 15-minute meditation is equivalent to taking an hour nap. That means a few minutes of deep relaxation in Savasana can leave you feeling more energized and focused than a double espresso (minus the jitters).

Savasana is often viewed as just a time to rest at the end of a yoga class, but it is so much more than that. It is a powerful practice for relaxation, stress reduction, and mindfulness. By embracing Savasana and making it an essential part of your yoga practice, you can experience profound benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. So next time you’re in Savasana, fully surrender to the pose and allow yourself to reap the rewards it has to offer. The more you practice Savasana, the better you will get at it, and your body and mind will thank you for it!

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2024 Power Life, All Rights Reserved.
Built with 🤍 by Blink Wellness

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About Kirk: 

Kirk was working 80-hour weeks and wearing his shoulders as earrings when he found yoga in 2005. Forever the competitive athlete, he loved the physicality of yoga. When the spiritual and philosophical side of yoga were exposed to him, Kirk was hooked. Yoga provided him with what other activities couldn’t -- the ability to foster the benefits of practice both on and off of the mat. Yoga was something that Kirk could bring into all aspects of his life. 

Kirk knows that yoga can be intimidating, so he crafts a class that is playful and inviting, while still being challenging and safe. His creatively planned classes build strength and flexibility in your body and mind while establishing clarity, giving you more confidence to overcome obstacles in your life, and keeping you injury-free. His classes are themed with a message that is relatable and will inspire you to take it with you off your mat. Kirk has been teaching yoga since 2008 and lead his first teacher training in 2012. Where Kirk truly shines is in coaching, developing and bringing out the best in others.  

Kirk enjoys traveling (40+ countries to date!), snowboarding, and cherishes time with his wife and two daughters. 

About Christen: 

Christen Bakken’s yoga journey began in 1998 in a Bikram studio that provided a safe and secure place to practice. She saw the yoga mat as a place to remember her purpose and a place to play. As she continued her studies and began her journey to teaching in 2006, Christen infused yoga classes with devotion and the yoga mat became a place of personal transformation and healing. Her classes are filled with laughter, song, sweat, and usually heart openers. In 2013, Christen began training yoga teachers. This is the place where she finds the most joy - in community with folks looking to grow and be of greater service in their homes, on their mats, and in the world. Over the years, she has led trainings in Denver, the Midwest, Florida, and now abroad. She has trained in continuing education modules, 200-hour, 300-hour, and 500-hour programs. Beyond the mat, Christen is a passionate adventure seeker - she loves to bike, snowboard, and spend time with her husband and pups. She sees each day as a blessing and hopes to remind all who interact with her of this truth.  

Two Light Studio Parking Information

We validate parking for THREE garages in the area!

  • Two Light garage located directly north of the studio. Please bring your ticket inside for validation.

  • Three Light garage at Main and Truman. Garage entrance on Truman. Please bring your ticket inside for a validation sticker.

  • Power & Light garage at 13th and Grand. Please ask for a parking pass at the studio front desk. (Hot tip: the Power & Light garage has a ton of space! But be sure to give yourself a little extra time to walk to the studio.)

If you find that you are running a couple minutes late due to parking, please call the studio to let the instructor know to wait for you before locking the doors.

Blackstone Studio Parking

  • We have partnered with our friends at Greenslate to provide 1 hour and 15 minute validated parking for Power Life students in the lot at 36th and Harney (just south of the Cottonwood Hotel). Read below to learn how to take advantage of this perk:

    • Step 1: Scan the QR code located in the lot.

    • Step 2: Select your destination (i.e. “yoga studio”).

    • Step 3: Ask for the validation code at the Blackstone studio front desk and enter it on your phone.

    • Step 4: You are all set! Have fun at class!

    Please note:

    • The validation provided by Power Life and Greenslate is for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Need to add additional time to your parking space? You can do that conveniently from your phone!

    • This option is valid once per day per license plate.

    • Please do NOT park in the Crescent Moon lot − you will be towed!

East Village Studio Amenities

  • There is a paved lot and gravel lot on the West side of the building.

  • Meters on Court and 4th (by Peace Tree) for $0.25/hour, 9am-9pm Mon. – Sat. 12-hour max*

  • Meters on 4th (to the North) for $1.25/hour. Mon – Sat. 4-hour max.

  • All meters are free on Sundays and major holidays.

*Starting July 8, 4th Street will temporarily become a one-way. Students will only be able to enter our parking lot from the North via Court Ave. and exit it going south. Thank you for understanding!

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