Peace out in a cozy, cushy savasana

The most wonderful thing about a home yoga practice is that you can arrive exactly as you are, and choose practices that support and nourish your body and mind with exactly what it needs.

Holidays are such a busy, bustling time filled with family, friends and a lot of joy. And it can also be a rather chaotic time leaving you feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.  So to make sure you really feel all the peace and joy of the holidays, don’t forget to offer yourself a little gift of self-care time.  Yoga can help!
 
There's one easy yoga pose that is all you need to find your calm, to feel rested and rejuvenated.  And that’s savasana (pronounced sha-VA-sa-na). Savasana can soothe your nerves and calm your mind, create a renewed sense of balance and clarity, and help you find a deep sense of peace.  Try savasana any time you need to step away from the busy-ness of your day for a little break, any time you need help to feel more calm and grounded.

 
Savasana is a meditative yoga pose, with the whole body relaxed into stillness on the floor as you focus on the movement of your natural breath, the flow of oxygen in and out of your body. This pose allows you to fully release and let go while remaining alert and open. This is not about napping!  It’s about letting go. And about stillness. Stillness is the essence of the pose. So dress warmly, put on some cozy socks and turn your savasana into a delightful, sensorial experience…here’s how:

• Bring some beautiful soothing scents into your space and tap into the power of plant essences. Add a few drops of your favourite relaxing natural essential oil onto a cotton pad and place it next to your head or on your chest. Notice the different notes of your chosen oil, and how it makes you feel.
• Choose a piece of relaxing music from my Savasana playlist (access it on Spotify HERE) or choose a relaxing piece that you love...to dive deep, to support your intention or to simply peace out.
• Get comfy by supporting your knees with a yoga bolster or a rolled up blanket. This is also good to relieve tension in your back. Try adding a low pillow or folded blanket under your head. Add any padding or cushion you need to make your body more comfortable.
• Create your own cozy cocoon with the softest, coziest meditation shawl or blanket you can find. Notice the texture of the shawl, notice how it feels in your hand and on your body. Notice the warmth it creates on your body.
• Create calm with an eye pillow, a wonderful addition to your practice. It will shield your eyes from visual stimulation and the gentle weight helps to calm your mind. If you don’t have an eye pillow, a small folded towel can also shield your eyes

As you lie on the floor in your cushy savasana, in your cozy protective cocoon, feel the earth supporting you. Breath naturally and quietly. Stay alert and present by focusing on your breath as it flows in and out. You may wish to scan your awareness from your toes to the top of your head, consciously releasing any tension from every part of your body. In particular, soften your jaw, release your shoulder blades away from your ears.
 
Move your attention to your senses, one after another, noticing the scent of your essential oil, the vibration of the music, the touch of your props and shawls. Notice how this makes you feel, any emotions that come up.
 
Notice what happens in your body as you sink into stillness. Notice your mind. If it wanders towards thinking, just gently let the thoughts go and come back to focus on your breath.
 
Surrender yourself completely to the practice.
 
Just be here.