10 Things I Learned In Shavasana
10 things I learned in Shavasana
When I first started practicing yoga, I thought Shavasana was pointless. Sprawling on the floor, completely still, doing literally...nothing? No thanks. I’d rather go wait in line at the DMV. At least that’s somewhat productive!
Back then, whenever we reached the end of class and it was time for Shavasana, I remember thinking, “Can’t we just skip this part? Let’s wrap this baby up with a bow so I can get out of here and get back to doing something! Grocery shopping. Cleaning the house. Anything!”
But now? Twenty years later—after countless down dogs, warriors, and planks—I look forward to Shavasana every time. It has become one of my favorite poses, and has taught me so many valuable life lessons. A class without Shavasana would be just plain wrong.
Here are 10 things I’ve learned in Shavasana:
- Doing nothing is everything.
Ahh, I was so young and naive to think that resting on the ground—and focusing on my breath and body—was a pointless activity. Now I appreciate my Shavasana time, because I know it provides a chance for my mind and body to integrate everything that happened during class. Everything settles deep into my muscles, bones, and cells. Doing nothing allows my body to do everything it needs for growth, repair, and building strength.
- Receiving is crucial.
Most people “give” and “do” the majority of the day. We're mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, career women, and so much more. All of these roles take a great deal of time, energy, patience, creativity, and effort.
When you give, give, give, and do, do, do, it’s crucial to give back to yourself. Shavasana is like a 2 to 5 minute vacation—a chance to give a little time and tenderness back to you.
We can’t keep emptying our cups and never refilling them. The math doesn’t work. Constant subtraction will end in a massive deficit if we aren’t careful. With 5 kids at home, I know that in order to be the best mom that I can be, I need to give to myself first.
- We all wear so much armor. Breathe and Soften into it instead.
When I first settle into Shavasana, I remind myself to soften every muscle—even the tiny muscles around the eyes and mouth. Everything melts into the ground. There’s a sweet feeling of freedom—like shedding a rigid, tough exoskeleton. Like dropping a protective shield.
We shield ourselves all day long. We protect ourselves from rejection, criticism, pain, discomfort, the worries and stresses of daily life, big and small. Shavasana provides an opportunity to drop the shield—take down the armor, just for a few moments, and be completely open, and unguarded.
With nowhere to go, nothing to do, no external stimulus to respond to, and no armor around my heart, the true me can shine.
- Gratitude really does change your day.
During Shavasana, I take a moment of simple gratitude for myself and my body. I appreciate the little things. Thank you, legs. Thank you, lungs. Thank you, heart, for beating consistently without even needing to be reminded. A moment of gratitude for the fact that I can move. I can challenge myself and most importantly, I showed up for myself.
By cultivating gratitude in Shavasana, I’m able to carry these grateful feelings off the mat—and out into the rest of my day.
- We have more support than we think.
Call me crazy, but when I sink into Shavasana and remind myself that I’m fully supported, I really do feel the earth rising up to meet me. I feel it so strongly that I wonder why there are so many times when I don’t feel support.
What we need is all around us, always. Maybe we don’t take up a friend’s offer to help. Maybe we look to social media instead of across the room for support. Maybe we forget that we have everything we need to support ourselves.
When times get tough, know that you are fully supported by your world. You have infinite information available to you online. You have thousands of free books available at your local public library. You have friends who love you. You have a network of free services, clubs, groups, and associations in your community. Even no-cost counseling and therapy. This support is always there—like an invisible cradle, holding you securely and safely. We just forget it’s there.
- Recognize the Spirit in Yourself and Others.
There’s something truly sacred that occurs when you stop and appreciate the spirit within you (and others). It doesn’t matter what your (or anyone else’s) body shape or size looks like on the outside. What matters is the spirit that’s on the inside. Sure, we live in a fatphobic society that largely judges all of us based on size, but the truth is that size doesn’t determine who we are as a person nor does it determine our worth. Everyone is welcome, everyone matters, everyone has inherent value.
- Listen More Than You Talk
During this quiet time of reflection on your breath and spirit, something magical happens. You can actually hear yourself. Most of the time we’re so busy talking to ourselves saying things like, “do this, clean that, cook that, push harder, do more.” Shavasana opens up the opportunity for you to simply listen to whatever lies deep within underneath all of the noise.
- You Can Begin Again With Your Focus
Recently this summer, I taught a class with the theme of being able to start over anytime. Every day, every minute, every hour can be a new beginning. We don’t need to wait for a birthday or New Year’s Day, we can simply turn our focus inward and recommit to whatever we desire. Shavasana is a great time to direct your energy somewhere new.
- This Too Shall Pass & You Can Do Hard Things
Once I’m in Shavasana, I’m grateful for having gone through the class. There are usually moments where the poses or my breath feels difficult. Those difficult moments don’t last forever and I’m reminded that I can do hard things. Somewhere along the road of life we start to feel like everything should be easy. News flash: life’s not easy, and that’s ok. Remind yourself that this too shall pass and you’ll likely be stronger for getting through the difficult times.
- Radical Acceptance
When I’m lying down in Shavasana, it doesn’t matter what other people are doing, because I close my eyes and come into my own space and body. Only when I tune out what everyone else is doing, can I find that deeper connection with myself. My practice is in the past and all I can do is accept the present moment.
We always remind our kids that wherever you are in life, someone else is always going to be “ahead” of you or “behind” you and wherever you are is exactly where you’re meant to be. Accepting the present moment with fervent, radical acceptance is the key. Life and yoga are a practice, not a performance. We’re meant to be flawed and make mistakes, it’s part of life. We can still accept (and love) ourselves despite and because of what happens to ourselves or anybody else in our lives.
The next time you’re feeling restless during Shavasana—wondering if you could quietly roll up your mat and sneak out of class a bit early—I hope you’ll remember that there’s huge value in being still and doing nothing.
If yoga isn’t your jam, try giving yourself some quiet time in seated meditation, in the bathtub, laying outside on the grass, or in bed. Or, you know, you can always take a quick Shavasana at Target in Aisle 10 when your toddler is throwing a hysterical tantrum and you just need 3 seconds of inner peace. Go ahead. Lie on the floor. You might be politely asked to leave the store, but hey, you’ll feel so zen you won’t even mind.
xoxo,
PS. Want to practice yoga with me? Here’s a Vinyasa Flow On the Go class that I recorded for you. This 60 minute video class is suitable for all levels (including beginners) and it’s FREE! Watch and follow along from your home, gym, hotel, or wherever you are. And if you enjoy this class, I’ve got dozens more over HERE.
PPS. Final call for my fall coaching opportunity. Imagine going into the holidays not feeling crazy around food anymore. I promise it's possible! Hit reply so I can teach you. 
