Savasana or Corpse Pose is a vital component of the Yoga practice. When we practice Hatha Yoga poses and pranayama, we build up a wealth of energy and prana (life force energy) in the body. If one's practice is especially invigorating like Vinyasa yoga or large amounts of kapalabati, the body is saturated with warm vibrations. Although, there is an invigorating sensation, this energy may not be grounded.
To exit your practice without grounding this energy can leave the mind experiencing a sense of being "scattered" and create problems in properly directing one's awareness and attention throughout the rest of the day. Some styles of Yoga can also be highly stimulating and requires and balancing of this neural "energy". Savasana represents a cooling phase of the nervous tool.
Finally, Savasana is a powerful tool to develop connection and to expand one's capacity to release all layers of tension and holding. Savasana creates a foundation for your meditations as well as unites the overall practice so it has more meaning and greater presence in your day.
Appreciate the wealth of benefits that Savasana offers. If you are in a yoga class and need to leave early, end your yoga poses early and take a few moments to do Savasana instead.
To learn about conscious relaxation and Yoga Nidra:
http://www.myyogaonline.com/yoga_article_96_Yoga_Nidra.htmlNamaste,
Kreg Weiss
