Yoga by Design

The whole principle of yoga is based on learning to observe and be aware of muscular tension in the body, and then learning to relax unnecessary tension in the muscles. The Corpse pose is a good place to start learning this process. Some say this is the easiest posture there is and others will tell you this is the most difficult posture of all. Some say this is really the only pose there is and others still will say that all other poses are meant to prepare the person for the one great pose, Savasana.

In Savasana, the actor becomes the non-actor. So, lay on your back and arrange everything. The clothing, the hair, and the spine straight on. Make sure the shoulderblades are positioned truly behind the ribs and away from the ears, opening the chest. The arms spread out on the floor, palms face up just outside the thighs. The legs roll out from the hips, turned out at the knees and feet. Allow the body to take in the support of the surface beneath you. Focus your attention on feeling the body, sensing the sensations of the body. Attune to the breath and allow the breath to find its own flow. Just watch. As you get used to being present in the asana, use a full breath into the abdomen to deepen the practice.

This posture is said to be so rejuvenating of a person’s body, mind, and spirit that when practiced properly, 15-20 minutes of Savasana is physically equal to two hours of our best overnight sleep. One of the reasons this posture of repose is considered by some to be the hardest of all is because this posture is really one of watching the mind. In the process of watching the mind and breathing, cultivating a mood of complete body stillness, and staying alert and passive simultaneously in the midst of body sensations, one gains tremendous benefits that are measurable by science standards. Corpse pose is useful for learning good relaxation habits which in turn reduce anxiety habits. This, in turn, will ease the problems associated with anxiety and a high stress lifestyle.

Techniques to Heighten your Relaxation Response 

Notice how you react to stress

Stress is everywhere. It comes from four basic sources: the external environment, social stressors, physiological changes through time, and your thoughts. Watch yourself in the present moment.

Body Awareness

Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, check in with yourself. Notice your posture. Use body scanning techniques and let go undue holding. Start being more aware of your overall condition.

Breathing

Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, check in with your breathing. Check for stressors. They influence breathing patterns. Sigh out deeply on a regular basis. Breathe through the nose.

Progressive Relaxation

Identify particular muscles and muscle groups. Learn to distinguish between sensations of tension and deep relaxation. The practice of reducing muscle tension is incompatible with states of anxiety.

Meditation

Uncritically, attempt to focus your attention on something. When walking, focus on your footfalls. The breath is a convenient focus. There are many forms of meditation. Pick something simple.

Visualization

You are what you think. Use the imagination to spread a good story through the body. Thoughts take physical form through the physiology. Introduce your mind to any desired idea, then create the scene.

Hello Everyone,

Please keep in mind that all Yoga By Design classes are on hiatus from Wedneday, August 27th thru Sunday, September 7th.  Regularly scheduled classes begin again on Monday, September 8th.

The Wednesday evening classes for Beginners will start on Wednesday, September 17th for 14 weeks thru December 17th.  Make-ups may be taken on Tuesday evenings. 

Please visit the Schedule page for more information.