So you’ve taught your class, pushing your students just to the limits of what they can handle, helping them be safe and sound, but also to confront a few obstacles and boundaries, and now it’s time for everyone’s favorite reward — Savasana.
Savasana can be one of the most important moments of a yoga class. It is also a good indicator of how well the previous practice went.
I love to see people falling asleep, and I also like to hear them mumbling (especially tummy rumblings). This is more indicative of their level of exhaustion than the class. However, falling asleep on your back in a room with strangers on a hard surface shows a good degree of relaxation.
What do you do when you have your students stretched out and relaxed? You’ve helped them calm their minds into their breathing, but now there’s silence.
Metta Bhavana
In the past, I have said in my mind a small blessing to each person – neutral, that’s like the Buddhist metta or loving-kindness: “May you prosper, be happy, be free of suffering and progress.”
Even if you’re well-intentioned, it can be invasive.
Dhyana
I enjoy the idea of meditation, and I try to maintain a clear space in the classroom to anchor energy. However, I am still responsible for timekeeping. (I don’t appreciate teachers who are careless with timetables. There’s nothing more frustrating than leaving a class relaxed, only to find out that you’re now 15 minutes late.
Since I am not an expert in meditation, I leave it to myself to ensure that my mind doesn’t wander.
Japa
Silent Japa is another option. This involves repeating a mantra repeatedly to remain mindful. It’s appealing because it creates a positive energy field.
The benevolent force of the mantra ensures that you won’t be able to mess it up.
Dharana
Concentration on the second hand of my watch, even as it rotates around the dial, is a useful practice that keeps you focused in the room.
It’s not uncommon to have a snorer in the class. While I enjoy the sign of deep relaxation, it can also distract other students. I’ll say something like, “Keep your awareness of your breathing,” and this will often get them to move out of the noisy zone.
Freestyle
It’s important that I “hold the space” in some way and not drift into my to-do lists or the sequence of my next class.
It’s the hardest time of year for teachers to stay focused and resist the temptation to drift. Currently, I am practicing an open-eyed form of meditation. This involves being aware of all the sounds and moments in the classroom.
It’s not likely that anyone is using this time to catch up on their emails. But it’s something we all share, no matter what tradition. So it’s an opportunity for us to relax and come together!
