Relaxation: 10 Minutes of Savasana!
“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.” ~Lily Tomlin
“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” ~Mohandas K. Gandhi
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” ~Chinese Proverb
Relaxation is one of the primary benefits of a hatha yoga practice, as well as one of the sweet gifts of life itself. When our body and mind is relaxed and at ease, we can function optimally, allowing a balanced, calm and harmonious state throughout. However, a relaxed body and mind can be challenging for many to attain. Relaxation often takes practice. The practice of relaxation involves the ability to let go. Often we only feel this experience from the state of sleeping, however this can be a conscious practice as well. In hatha yoga, and ayurveda, we practice active relaxation so that deep healing may occur naturally in the body-mind. The more we develop our ability to create a relaxed state in our hatha yoga practice, the more we begin to develop the skills to manage stressful situations off of our mats with clarity and ease. From the standpoint of being of service to our families, friends, and communities, the more relaxed we are, the more present and at ease we may be in their presence. When our cup is full we have more to give!
In honor of this month’s relaxation theme, we are challenging all Kunga students and teachers to take 15 minutes every day for the entire month to practice savasana in all Kunga yoga classes, at home on the couch, in the car with the seat reclined during lunch break-wherever you can!
For Kunga teachers, this is a great opportunity to lead a longer guided savasana. Techniques you may wish to incorporate into your classes include:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation
- Contraction & Release
- Creative Visualization
- Affirmation Repetition
- Hypnotic Music
- 15 Minutes of total silence.
Students may wish to work at home with guided relaxation audio or simply find a quiet, well-ventilated room to enjoy silence, or to take in the sounds of your home while you lie resting. Try to let go of any attachments to sounds, feelings in the body, and thoughts, allowing your body and mind to relax into whatever may be present. Take note of how you feel, noticing if some days may be more difficult to lie still. You may wish to try journaling this month if you do not take a daily savasana, and at the end of the month, notice the gifts you have received by simplifying and doing nothing!
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“Kunga” is a Kenyerwandan word meaning “to serve or help”. The mission of all Kunga Yoga programs is to offer the teachings of yoga as a path of service to the planet, it’s people, and all beings.
The heart of all Kunga Yoga programs is to encourage, inspire, and support healthy living, community building, volunteering, and positive activism. We chose this word in honor of the first group of children that we had the honor of working with, the Mizero orphans of the Rwandan genocide. Our mission is supported by three primary models: Kunga Yoga Teacher Training School: 200 & 500 Hour programs, Kunga Journeys service-based yoga retreats, and Kunga Yoga public classes.
The vision of Kunga Yoga is to connect cultures by inspiring and training individuals to approach their yoga practice and lifestyle choices as an opportunity to serve others, to encourage healthy communities, and to inspire positive activism. Our vision is to connect volunteers, donors, yoga students, and yoga teachers with local and international communities in need.
Check out our schedule to find a Kunga class today!
Interested in using yoga as a path of service to yourself and others? Check out our Kunga Yoga Teacher Trainings!
Want to travel with us to India and visit the Girls at Homes of Hope Orphanage? Join Katie Kennis and Noelle Whittington on our Kunga Journeys India Retreat!