L E T I T G O .

I have many students come to my class and find the most difficult part the last 5-7 minutes, the relaxation.

Literally unable to switch off, disconnect the constant stream of thoughts and RELAX. Throughout the class they are fine, they have something to focus on: their breath, their body and their movements. They listen to my voice and take on the instruction I am giving.

But once that stops there is no longer something for the worrying mind chatter to be blocked out by and trickle of ‘ifs, buts and maybes’ become a tidal wave washing over them, if they let go will they drown?? No. But they probably think they will.

For some, the constant state of worry gives their mind a focus, and as most of the time the things that are being worried about don’t happen, there is almost a sense of ease-ironically. Relaxation for these people may increase their levels of anxiety and worry, I understand that theory but from my experience in both myself (a natural born worrier and anxiety sufferer) and through observing and speaking with my students, it comes down to practice, building trust and realising that nothing bad happens in that short 5-7 minute window, everything stays the same and if you allow yourself 5-7mins of relaxation you are better equipped to cope with whatever does happen.

I have seen the anxious and the fidgety progress and develop this skill, because it is a skill to LET GO and be vulnerable.

Savasana is a vital part of a yoga practice and should be observed just as Asana is.

Giving yourself ‘TIME OUT’ will let so much ‘MORE IN’, in the long run. The relaxation period is not just laying there ‘doing nothing’, it is in fact doing the most: allowing your body and mind the time to still, calm and just ‘be’ after a strenuous practice, it is the time our body and mind settles, makes use of the exercises our muscles, joints and tendons have participated in. Remember the brain IS A MUSCLE. It’s when we soak up the goodness and make sense of it all. Relaxation time is also for some, the ONLY time in our day / week that we consciously let go. Unlike sleep when we delve into an unconscious state, we can actively focus on being present, awake in mind and ‘asleep’ in body. It helps us control and helps us heal.

For me when I am very anxious and can’t relax I:

• Find a quiet room • Turn phone off • Lay in my back with knees bent or legs in the air • Close my eyes • Deep breaths deep into my lungs in through my nose, out through my nose, about 10 rounds • Spinal twists, hug my knees into chest and drop knees to left then right • Reach over head to lengthen my whole body • Lay flat, holding no tension in my body listening to some calming sounds. • Focus on my breath.