RELAXATION
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| The yoga position for relaxation is called Savasana, a Sanskrit term meaning "dead body posture" because the body is completely motionless. In this reclining position, the eyes are closed, the back of the head is on the floor and the chin is tucked down toward the chest. The shoulders are down from the ears and back. Arms are out from the body comfortably with the palms turned up. The legs are separated comfortably. It's a good idea, when first assuming the rest position, to bend the legs, place the feet on the floor, lift the hips slightly and push the hips away while returning the lower back to the floor. Since relaxation can be achieved by first producing conscious tension, one technique is to tense different parts of the body and then quickly release them. This is done progressively. For example, bring all your awareness to your legs, lift one leg - just a few inches - and tighten the muscles of that leg as you hold. Then with a quick release let the leg drop to the floor. Repeat this with the opposite leg and work your way up through the body, first creating tension and then releasing it. It is this conscious, deliberate tensing and relaxing of the muscles that leads to complete relaxation. And even though it sounds easy, it is actually a "skill" that is achieved and perfected through repetition.
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