171: Practice Stillness: Exploring Savasana

Most of us spend more time unintentionally still than we would like, and yet there is undeniable power in the purposeful stillness of savasana. In this episode we take a closer look at savasana—an almost universally familiar posture, yet perhaps also one of the most loaded with assumption and expectation.

Hosts Tiffany and Rachel discuss how savasana supports recovery, nervous system regulation and resilience, as well as why there is no single “perfect” version of the pose and how thoughtful modifications can make this practice more accessible for every body.

From prop setups and guided relaxation to alternatives for students who find stillness challenging, this conversation offers practical strategies for both yoga teachers and practitioners to make rest a more meaningful part of practice.

“The shape is not really the thing. It’s just a container for the practice that you’re creating in savasana.” – Tiffany Cruikshank

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“The value of non-doing. It’s precious.” – Rachel Land

Show Notes:

• Defining savasana and approaches to it [01:51]
• Savasana as the integration, close and clearing of practice [03:13]
• Current research on savasana [05:38]
• Savasana for nervous system regulation [10:22]
• Challenges in savasana: discomfort lying still [14:03
• Guidance for mental restlessness in savasana [19:13]
• Prop options for comfort [24:39]
• Guided vs unguided savasana, duration of quiet [32:34]
• Can we skip savasana? [36:23]
• The value of intentional stillness and “non-doing” [42:17]

Links Mentioned:

• Watch this episode on YouTube

“Savasana is kind of that time where we allow for the settling.” – Tiffany Cruikshank