Sanskrit: Savasana
Pronunciation: shah-VAHS-anna
Translation: Sava = corpse
What it is: The final resting pose in nearly every yoga class. You lie flat on your back, arms at your sides with palms facing up, legs relaxed and slightly apart. Eyes closed. The body is completely still while the mind remains aware.
Why it matters: Often called the hardest pose in yoga — not because of physical difficulty, but because it asks you to be completely still and surrender. It integrates the benefits of the practice and allows the nervous system to shift into rest-and-digest mode.
Duration: Typically 5-10 minutes at the end of class.
Benefits: Deep relaxation, stress reduction, lowers blood pressure, integrates physical practice.