I’m doing Savasana September again. Join me!
What on earth is Savasana September?
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Savasana for 20 minutes. Every day. For 1 month.
If I suggested that you put your lengthy to-do list to one side and lie down for twenty minutes right now, what would your response be?
September 2023 marks 9 years since I embarked on my #365Savasana Project (which I wrote about at the time in my column for OM Yoga & Lifestyle Magazine and more recently in my book) when every day for 1 year I practised Savasana for 20 minutes - a slightly crazy idea which turned out to be transformative.
Over the years I’ve shared through September on Instagram, but this year I’m bringing Savasana September to Substack.
So, from today I’ll be practising Savasana every day for 20 minutes. And I’ll be sharing practice tips along the way here at Slow Living in the Big City (so do follow me here on Notes too if you’re not already!) as well as special posts for paid subscribers.
Paid subscribers who get involved will also get the chance to receive a personalised signed copy of my book, Rest + Calm from me. I will choose one subscriber at the end of the month.
What is Savasana?
Savasana (or Corpse Pose), lying down in a comfortable position (usually) on your back, is often described as the easiest pose to do but the most difficult to master. Lying still for twenty minutes a day may seem unimaginable. But you can start small with just a minute or two and work your way up.
A restorative Savasana allows your body to properly rest – something we rarely experience in our day-to-day over-stimulated existence. More than a little nap, Savasana helps to shift the nervous system into the parasympathetic state (calming the ‘fight flight’ response and switching on the relaxation response)
Want to join me in practising Savasana each day but don’t know where to start? Here’s how:
Get comfortable using as many cushions and blankets as you need;
Set a timer;
Ideally cover your eyes with a soft scarf or eye pillow (as light can be an barrier to relaxing fully);
If your mind wanders (which is completely normal) guide your awareness to the steady rise and fall of your breath;
Try not to judge how you are doing. Practise allowing yourself to Be.
I think I can hear you shouting that you are too busy from here! But if you’re feeling frazzled, fatigued or generally rushed off your feet this may be just what you need.
Just some of the benefits of Savasana include:
Promoting proper physical rest and regeneration by stimulating the ‘relaxation response’
Improved sleep quality
Calming a busy mind
Lowering blood pressure
As mentioned, over the course of September I’ll be sharing some tips and different Savasana variations.
If you do choose to join me I’d love to hear how you are finding the experience.
And remember, paid subscribers who comment during Savasana September will be in with a chance of receiving a signed copy of Rest + Calm.
See you in Savasana.