Savasana, demonstrated by Karen Watson Reeves, is said to be the most difficult of all the yoga poses, yet the most important. Photo by Fred Padilla.
By Karen Watson Reeves
It’s October! And that brings all things spooky and creepy and scary: ghosts, witches, goblins, skeletons, vampires, werewolves, zombies, and yes, even corpses. All in the name of FUN, of course. And where to find corpses, but cemeteries. While cemeteries are sacred and hallowed final resting places for those who have left their earthly bodies, they have a history of being places to gather. Some historic cemeteries are outdoor history museums, research facilities, places to picnic or exercise, wildlife refuges, and places to remember those who have gone before.
So the location for this month’s pose is a historic cemetery here in Hot Springs, The City Cemetery, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.*
- Savasana is a well-loved pose typically used at the end of a class session. It is said to be the most difficult of all the yoga poses, yet the most important. The difficult aspect lies in the fact that it is challenging for most of us to be still (as a corpse) and even harder to cease the thoughts (like a corpse). However, our bodies, our minds, our very souls, yearn for the stillness and an opportunity to do nothing at all. So when you are tempted to skip the rest after the workout, here are some benefits that might encourage you to enjoy a few minutes of stillness:
- Savasana helps bring the body back to a balanced state after the physical and mental stress of exercise. The meditation aspect of the posture helps reduce blood pressure, helps organs return to regular functioning, and creates a sense of calmness.
- Savasana is like a reward after something difficult. Making exercise a habit can be difficult, but having something to look forward to after the effort can be a good incentive.
- Savasana can help maintain that post-workout high, as the body is flooded with “feel good” neurochemicals that help sustain the good mood.
- Savasana builds resilience. Although it’s a difficult pose to maintain, disciplining the body and mind to find stillness after exercise can bleed over in other areas of life, developing skills to react mindfully during difficult situations.
- Savasana helps keep you present in the moment, focusing on the here and now. Living in the moment keeps us more joyful and peaceful.
So if the scary sights and sounds of October frighten you, lie as still as a corpse, quiet your mind, and reap the rewards.
*For more information on this piece of our city’s history, visit the Facebook page, Restore the Old City Cemetery, Hot Springs, Arkansas. And be grateful to Urban Forestry/City of Hot Springs for maintaining this historic, sacred ground. Photo credit and knowledge of this cite: Fred Padilla.
Karen Watson Reeves has called Hot Springs home since 2006. Owner of The Yoga Place, at 301 Whittington Avenue, she became a registered yoga/children’s yoga teacher in 2011. She is on the Hot Springs YMCA teaching staff and is an adjunct instructor at National Park College. When not on the mat, Karen enjoys the beautiful outdoors of the National Park, especially from her bicycle. For more information about her studio and her schedule of classes, visit www.theyogaplacehs.com.
