Solitude + Savasana

The need to simply withdraw. It’s natural for us to retreat; our inner seasons follow periods of gathering and solitude. Yet, in our modern world we feel guilty when we take this time to ourselves. Our stillness is plagued by impatience and judgement - thoughts of escapism or irresponsibility; our lives are measured by engagement. But time spent with yourself, embracing the movement between community and self is at the very core of yoga. It is not ignoring what is happening to you or around you. It is inviting awareness with gentle honesty, and letting go of tension and expectation.

Recently in a 26&2 practice my teacher mentioned the importance of Savasana. In the 22 years I have been practicing I have heard this echoed many times. But this felt like the first time - where I am in my journey illuminated. I welcomed the possibility in it to transform. Rather than rumination - circulating the history of the day, the week, thoughts cycling their course - contemplation. I didn’t ask questions. I didn’t seek answers. Each time I arrived in my Savasana I embraced the solitude, letting the agitation settle and the water to become clear. Recognizing stillness not as the opposite of activity but as a complement. My retreat within myself as a necessary part of my relationships with everyone and everything around me. Not in contrast but in partnership. Each time coming back to my presence.

As teachers we invite you to give yourself this permission. Invite this time not as a perfunctory “do nothing” pose at the end of class; rather, as an opportunity to create space for your transformation. Complementing your communal movement, allow stillness for your self solitude.

Until next time, namaste 🙏

KVO