Savasana (shah-VAHS-uh-nuh), comes from two words. The first is “Sava” (corpse), and the second is “asana” (pose)
The beginning of the end.
One of the constant topics that were discussed during this season's workshop is that the Asanas are the easiest part in one's practice. I won't argue with that. That's the one thing I must say I discovered myself ever since I integrated the practice of Ashtanga into my life. Most people who know me can vouch for the fact that I was born naturally athletic and that my body has a gift of learning a physical skill without breaking a sweat -- I'm lucky that way. But growing up active has taught me that the body only comes second to the mind. The real work is done in your head.
My relationship with Ashtanga began just recently, yet I noticed how easily I was able to progress from being just a bit flexible to doing certain poses without pain. Could it be my build? Was I just a lucky little yogini that my body cooperates? Whatever the case, I thought I should be happy and proud. But to tell you in a weird and unappreciative way, it made me feel kinda awful.
You must think I'm crazy and greedy for thinking that way, but it's where I'm going to stress the point that the Asana is indeed the easiest part of the practice. So what if I can throw my legs over my shoulders, when all I can think about is the next pose plus the fact that I don't realize how fast I transition form pose to pose due to my very short attention span. Keeping still is the most challenging part. Well, you could be right. I might actually be crazy.
But, who is an Ashtangi who isn't a little bit crazy? I'm pretty sure I am.