Daffodils symbolise rebirth and new beginnings. They announce the beginning of spring and signify the end of cold, dark days. They posses the ability to reform themselves and start anew. Their trumpet shaped flowers sing out messages of joy, for all to hear.
Savasana, the meditative pose at the end of each yoga practice is deemed as, 'corpse pose', because the body is temporarily inactive. An imitation of the dead brings back a renewed life. To be consciously alert while relaxing physically, helps us release tensions and enter into a relaxed state akin to meditation. This relaxed state is known as a sacred time where we can connect with our subconscious mind.
As spring arrives and summer looms ahead, the flowers drop and the leaves begin to wither. During winter there is no remaining evidence that these flowers ever existed. However they are not gone forever. They continue to store energy in their bulbs, deep underground ready to emerge again the following spring.
In todays, 'hurry up', world where multi tasking and burnout are the results of never ending, 'to do', lists, savasana can be practiced as a stand alone yoga practice. You don't need to have done preparatory poses before hand. The focus of savasana is placed on being able to consciously relax, and being able to regulate your breathing, thereby reducing lifestyle stress.
Practice every day starting with 5mins and building up to 15mins, conditions the body to release stress and relaxes the body by reducing fatigue.
If you initially find it difficult to relax you may want to play some soothing music, add an eye covering and place a pillow on your abdomen to invite a release of inner tensions and invite softness.
To practice:
Sit on the floor, keeping your feet on the ground or floor and knees bent.
Lie back extending your legs with toes facing the ceiling.
Keep your head in the centre and do not allow it to fall on either side.
Extend your arms towards the bottom of the mat, resting the back of your hands on the floor.
Make sure to broaden your shoulders and ribs.
Relax your tongue, cheeks, lips, throat and neck.
Let your eyes sink deep and slowly turn them downwards towards your heart.
Stay calm and rest in pose for between 5 to 15 minutes.
Exit the pose by exhaling and slowly rolling over onto your side, staying for a couple of breaths until you ae ready to come up to seated.
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