Corpse Pose

A resting posture practised lying on the back, used to observe the body, breath and mind with as little effort as possible.

“Lie down. Let the body be held. Stay close to the breath.”

Savasana is a posture of conscious rest. The body is arranged with enough support that effort can soften, while awareness remains present. It often completes a practice, but it may also stand alone as a way to observe what is already here.

The purpose is not to become still by force. The purpose is to create conditions where rest is possible. Stillness may arrive, or it may not. Awareness can include both ease and restlessness.

1. 1Lie on your back with the legs extended.
2. 2Let the feet fall naturally away from each other.
3. 3Rest the arms beside the body with space around the ribs.
4. 4Turn the palms in any direction that feels comfortable.
5. 5Adjust the head so the neck feels easy.
6. 6Allow the back of the body to meet the ground.
7. 7Soften the face, jaw and hands.
8. 8Let the breath move without shaping it.
9. 9Remain for several minutes, or for the time available.

Instead of searching for the “correct” position, notice:

• •Is the body supported enough to rest?
• •Does the head feel balanced?
• •Are the lower back, knees or shoulders asking for support?
• •Can you allow small movements before becoming still?
• •What changes when you stop arranging yourself?

Let the breath be unforced. Notice where it is easy to feel, and where it is quiet or hidden. If watching the breath feels uncomfortable, rest attention on the weight of the body or the contact with the ground.

Observe how the student settles. Some bodies need warmth, height under the knees, or support under the head before rest becomes available. Look for signs of guarding, chill, agitation or over-effort, and offer options with spacious language.

Reflect after practising:

• •What parts of the body met the floor easily?
• •What remained alert or held?
• •Did the breath change when you stopped trying to manage it?
• •What did stillness feel like today?

Rather than mistakes, you may notice:

• •Holding the jaw or tongue
• •Turning the head to one side
• •Gripping through the hands
• •Arching the lower back
• •Restlessness in the legs
• •Controlling the breath

• •Bend the knees with feet on the floor
• •Place a bolster under the knees
• •Support the head with a folded blanket
• •Cover the body for warmth
• •Rest on the side if lying on the back is not suitable
• •Practise with eyes open or softly covered

• ✓The body feels adequately supported.
• ✓Breathing remains available.
• ✓The face and hands have softened.
• ✓Awareness remains present.
• ✓The transition out is unhurried.