I know what you're thinking. 

Really?  Savasana?  The one where we lay down and basically take a nap?

That's right.

You might think this is the easiest pose that Yoga has to throw at you, but in my opinion it's actually the most challenging.  In a world where we are constantly on the move, connected, and multitasking; how do we stop and do nothing?  How do we clear the mind?  Learning to let go is a challenge that even the most sage monks have struggled with through the ages.

Some Background:
Savasana can be broken down to Sava (Corpse) asana (Pose).  Literally Corpse Pose.  While it may sound morbid, the intention is a conscious act of dying, letting go, and becoming one with your spirit.  When we transition out of Savasana we often roll to the side with bent knees (a fetal position) and it's like we are being re-born. 

Here's How:
1. Slowly lie down onto your back, using whatever props you like.  Maybe you place a blanket under your head or a bolster under your knees.  Feel free to even cover yourself with a blanket, or use an eye pillow to block out light and encourage your senses to go within.  Close your eyes.

2. Once you have your props in place, gently lift one leg up a few inches off the floor.  Rotate the toes out, then lengthen that leg out and down until it rests comfortably on the floor.  Repeat with the other leg.

3.  Do the same with your arms.  Gently lifting one arm up a few inches, turning the palm to face the ceiling, and then lengthening it out and down until it rests comfortably on the floor.  Repeat with the other arm. 

4. Take a deep breath in.  And let it out.  Now, soften that space between the eyes, and let that softness erase any expression that might be on the face.  Slowly and methodically, release any tension that might be present in the body, all the way from the crown of the head to the very tips of the toes.

5. If you find your mind wandering, come back to the breath.  Slowly inhaling and exhaling.  Use aromatherapy, by spritzing lavender hydrosol (flower water), around the room.  You can even play soft music to block out the sounds of the outside world.

6.  Rest here as long as you can.  Whether it's 5 or 35 minutes, your body and mind will benefit from the pause.  Allowing you to tackle life's daily challenges with more consciousness and clarity.

The real key is not to beat yourself up if you find yourself thinking of the errands you have to run, or reliving an argument you may have had with a loved one.  It's even okay if you feel self-conscience.  It's totally normal to get caught up in our own stories.  That's exactly why we practice Savasana.  So we can learn the difference between our perception, and our reality.

Be Well,
Kristin

If you are anywhere near the Northeast, you've probably (hopefully!) heard of the impending Super Snowstorm.  They've even given it a name.  Nemo.  Somehow that name just doesn't conjure up images of driving snow that could bring down power and bury us all in 2 feet of snow. 


So while you are out there stocking up on the necessities, and the not-so-necessities, consider adding some of the ingredients for these yummy natural marshmallows to your list.  Snow days in my house = lots of snow play, lots of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and lots of board games.  Usually in that order, and usually repeated throughout the day. 

So in honor of dear Nemo, I've dug up this old post on how to make your own delicious, natural marshmallows.  Enjoy!

Originally from Snow Day!

We like to put our own herbal spin on things around here, so I thought I'd share a fun recipe to making real marshmallows.  Those air puffed, spongy white things don't contain any marshmallow at all, which is actually a very healing herb.  Marshmallow root is renowned for its abilities to sooth skin and heal inflammations in the body.  It's one of my go-to herbs for sore throats. 

Go on, I dare you try making these.  Super easy and SO delicious.

This recipe is adapted from Lesley Tierra's (2000): A Kid's Herb Book. 

Ingredients:
-2 eggs
-1/2 tsp Vanilla
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder


-Preheat oven to 275 degrees F
-Separate 2 eggs, keeping the whites.  Beat whites until foamy and not quite stiff.
-Add in 1/2 tsp. Vanilla or other delicious flavoring
-Slowly beat in up to 1/2 cup (it's okay to use less!) sugar, 1 tsp at a time
-Beat in 2 tablespoons marshmallow root powder
-Drop mixture using teaspoonful at a time on a lined cookie sheet.
-Bake 1 hour
-Remove from sheet and let cool.  Yum!

*Refrigerate extras (if there is any) for several days

Be Well,
Kristin