A Blissful Life 7/29/25: The Art Of Rest: Savasana On And Off The Mat

There’s a moment at the end of every yoga class when the lights dim, the breath slows, and the body finally releases its last layer of holding. That moment is Savasana, or Corpse Pose. It looks like “just lying down,” but anyone who’s practiced it deeply knows: Savasana is one of the most profound postures in all of yoga. It’s not a pose of doing, but of undoing– a sacred space to integrate, let go, and simply be.

At Ocean Bliss Yoga, our theme for August is Savasana, not just as a pose but as a way of life. In the heat and height of summer, when the sun blazes, the days are full, and the demands of life tug from every direction, it’s easy to forget that rest isn’t optional. It’s essential. More than that, rest is an art, one that most of us were never taught to value, much less master.

In a culture that praises hustle and productivity, rest is often seen as lazy or indulgent. But neuroscience and wellness research tell a different story. When we rest, truly rest, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to shift from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest.” This state promotes healing, cellular repair, hormonal balance, and mental clarity. Studies have shown that consistent rest improves memory, reduces inflammation, and enhances creativity. In fact, many groundbreaking ideas and solutions come not in the flurry of doing, but in the stillness of being.

Savasana teaches us how to enter that stillness with intention. On the mat, it’s where our practice takes root in the nervous system. Off the mat, it mirrors the courage it takes to let go– of control, of tension, and of the narratives that keep us wound tight. It asks us to surrender, to soften, and to trust in the wisdom of the present moment. It’s a metaphor for every transition, every ending, and every rebirth.

And yet, Savasana isn’t always easy. For many, lying still in silence can feel vulnerable, even uncomfortable. Why? Because when we pause, we come face to face with what we’ve been too busy to feel. In that space, we meet ourselves. And in that meeting, there is healing.

So what does it mean to rest, really?

It means carving out time not just for sleep, but for intentional stillness. It means unplugging from screens and reconnecting with your breath. It means saying no to the noise so you can hear the quiet pulse of your own truth. It means giving your body permission to release, your mind permission to wander, and your spirit permission to just be.

Rest is not a reward, it’s a right. And perhaps more than anything else, it is productive. Because the more we learn to rest, the more energy, clarity, and compassion we have to bring to the world.

This month, I invite you to treat rest as a sacred ritual. Whether it’s five minutes of lying down in Savasana, a quiet walk by the ocean, or a deep breath with eyes closed, give yourself the gift of not doing. Let your body remember how to exhale. Let your soul remember what it feels like to be held. Let August be the month of your great letting go.

Come sweat, rest, and reset with us at Ocean Bliss Yoga. We’re a heart-centered studio nestled above the water in Rockaway Beach, offering classes for all levels in yoga and Pilates. Join us this month as we explore the theme of Savasana together.

Our next Sound Bath will be held on Tuesday, August 20th– a powerful evening of vibration, stillness, and surrender. It’s been a few months since our last one, and we’ve heard your requests!

Visit oceanblissyoga.net to sign up for classes, events, and workshops. Call or text me with any questions at 917-318-1168. We can’t wait to practice with you!