06/03/2026
Is it okay to skip Shavasana?
In shavasana your literally practising being dead.
Shavasana translates to “corpse pose.”
This pose was never meant to be just a nap after your class; it’s not just relaxation.
When you lay in shavasana you are practising detachment.
Detachment from movement.
Detachment from effort.
Detachment from control.
Detachment from constant doing.
You’re not sleeping, you are consciously letting go.
This is why many of us struggle with it, because when the body becomes still, suddenly the mind gets really really loud.
But physically something really important is happening.
Your muscles start to release, your breath slows down, your heart rate slows down, your nervous system settles and calms. Your body moves from stress to recovery.
Everything you did before, all the poses, all the breathing, all the effort all the strength, was preparing you for this moment.
Everything in the class leads here.
Everything in shavasana integrates.
If you struggle in shavasana, it’s okay, you’re not the only one.
Usually two things happen.
The first thing that happens is you might be falling asleep or you might start to get really sleepy. If that happens, you can deepen your breath and you can become aware of your breath moving in and out of your body.
The second thing that happens is your mind won’t stop working. Lots of thoughts will suddenly start rushing into your head. If your mind wanders, don’t fight it, just notice it. Notice the thoughts come and notice the thoughts go.
Bring your attention back to your body, feel the ground beneath you, feel the weight of your body on the mat, notice the rhythm of your breath, train that awareness.
Shavasana is where your practice continues, it’s not easy, it’s not a pose where you sleep.
It’s part of the practice.
The Bhagavad Gita says
“Supreme happiness comes to the yogi who’s mind is peaceful”
So maybe don’t skip your shavasana.
