Corpse Post - Yoga

 Last night I started my yoga with the corpse pose,  I used it to release the tension in my shoulders and hip.  I didn't really get to meditate in the pose only because BF was in the room and the tv was on - but I was relaxing the shoulder and hip that have been hurting and today I feel so much better.  I recommend to always start simple.  Don't go flying into anything quickly, especially with yoga poses.  You could do more harm than good.  

The only thing was I needed BF to help me up - but I plan on doing it again tonight and maybe the rest of the week if possible.  On the weekend I will add more poses and exercises for the hip and shoulder.  Meanwhile, the diet has to get back on track.  IT was MY BIRTHDAY weekend and needless to say, I left no carb behind.  So back to the basics.  Protein shake for breakfast!  

Have a great day, Namaste - here is some information on the Corpse pose.

How to do the Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

1. Lie flat on your back, preferably without any props or cushions. Use small pillow below your neck if absolutely required. Close your eyes.

2. Keep your legs comfortable apart and let your feet and knees relax completely, toes facing to the sides.

3. Place your arms alongside, yet a little spread apart from your body. Leave your palms open, facing upward.

4. Taking your attention to different body parts one by one, slowly relax your entire body.

5. Begin with bringing your awareness to the right foot, move on to the right knee (as you complete one leg, move your attention on to the other leg), and so on, and slowly move upwards to your head, relaxing each part of the body.

6. Keep breathing slowly, gently, deeply and allow your breath to relax you more and more. The incoming breath energizes the body while the outgoing breath brings relaxation. Drop all sense of hurry or urgency or any need to attend to anything else. Just be with the body and the breath. Surrender the whole body to the floor and let go. Make sure you don’t fall asleep!

7. After some time, about 10-20minutes when you feel fully relaxed, keeping your eyes closed, slowly roll onto your right side. Lie in that position for a minute or so. Then, taking the support of your right hand, gently sit up into a seated pose such as Sukhasana (Easy Pose).

8. Keep your eyes closed and take a few deep breaths in and out as you gradually become aware of your environment and the body. When you feel complete, slowly and gently open your eyes.

Benefits of the Corpse Pose (Shavasana)

• This posture brings a deep, meditative state of rest, which may help in the repair of tissues and cells, and in releasing stress. It also gives time for the yoga workout to sink in at a deeper level.
• This posture leaves you in a state of rejuvenation. 
• It helps reduce blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.
• This is an excellent way to ground the body and reduce the Vata dosha(imbalance of the air element) in the body.