shhhhhh!
Shavasana (savasana, sivasana) is THE time for rest in yoga. not just rest for the body- but the mind- for the spirit. for some yogis it's the best rest in the entire work/sleep cycle.
As a yoga student I often wonder why after 60 or 90 minutes filled with opportunities to say something meaningful or helpful during the asana part of class- why do yoga teachers use this precious "quiet-time" to talk? or read out loud? or even to SING?
The benefits of silence are tremendous, especially after yoga practice.
Unfortunately, yoga teachers often use savasana as an opportunity to show how "spiritual" or "woo-woo" or "yogic" they are. Yes, yes I already can hear some yoga teachers saying, "if i dont talk to them they'll jump right off their mats after class and run" with no relaxation at all. I am going to put this out there: the minute you ask me to close my eyes and imagine myself at some exotic locale, or ask me to direct an imaginary white light through my chakras- i am ready AT THAT VERY moment to GO!
Mostly these scenes, speeches and songs are NOT relaxing.
Mostly they feed the yoga teacher's ego rather than leaving the students in silence to be with their own inner voice. If you must, play a nice drone music CD like the tamboura, or a sweet soft chanting cd, or nothing.
Yoga teachers think about this: Swami Chidvilasananda said "when there is senseless talking, you can not hear the voice of your own self." You have been talking for 90 minutes helping us with asana. It's okay to be quiet too, there is so much for your yogis and for YOU to hear in your silence! God speaks in silence. The best way to end a class is "thank you. Namaste."
Comments
Great points! Thank you.
I tend to take the middle road in most things. Depending on the class and the energy I'm picking up from people, I sometimes do guided imagery or a relaxation exercise prior to Savasana (and then shut up!). Every once in a while, I'll have a very busy-minded person furrowing his or her eyebrows, and I will gently say, "Acknowledge those thoughts, and brush them aside as if they are clouds." They often soften their forehead and sink a little deeper into relaxation.
But I definitely agree about the singing, reading and constant talking. :)
Thank you, Darla. You have said what I'd like to say to all the yoga teachers who talk during savasana. Savasana is only enjoyed in silence or with relaxing music in the background! Everyone, spread the silence. :)
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