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Step 1
You are in Savasana, the final resting pose in yoga. This is the posture, commonly referred to as "corpse pose", that most yoga classes--from vinyasa to ashtanga to kundalini--end in. It is here that this how-to guide begins.
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Step 2
In Savasana, you are at peace and calm. Resting your mind and body, let thoughts come in and float out naturally. Do not dwell on any one thought. Do not force thoughts out angrily or intentionally. Instead, just let them come and go with ease and natural rhythm.
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Step 3
Keep your eyes closed as you rest. Less visual distraction causes less mental chaos.
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Step 4
Continue to breath naturally, not focusing any longer on your breath (especially if you were practicing a yoga form that focused on using breath and movement, like vinyasa). Allow yourself to begin to be brought back to your natural state over the next several minutes.
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Step 5
As Savasana nears an end, begin to re-awaken yourself by bringing small and subtle movements back into the body. Slowly wiggle your fingers and toes, leading to your wrists and ankles. Keep movements light and natural.
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Step 6
Stretch your arms above you now, taking a full body stretch and appreciating your body and your mind for the great accomplishments of the practice you have just completed. Relax back down onto your mat. Your eyes shall remain closed for these stretches.
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Step 7
Roll over to your right side and rest in fetal position. Take deep breaths now, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth fully.
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Step 8
Use your hands to comfortably bring yourself up to a seated posture of your choice. This may be kneeling, lotus, or any other seated variation that your body can sit comfortably in. Here is where you will close the practice with mediation, chant, breathing exercises, prayer, or a simple "Namaste".
