How do we do a 5 minute RELAX or shavasana?
1. Find a comfy spot to lie down.
A comfy chair can sub in if somewhere to lie is not available.
2. Pop an eye pillow over your eyes, or close them.
3. RELAX THE BODY
You can do a progressive relaxation starting with letting go of the muscles in the feet and heading up the body ending with the face and head.
4. RELEASE THE THOUGHTS
If you are like me, all sorts of thoughts will pop into the mind. Try to see them like passing clouds - that pop into the mind, last for awhile and pass on through. That is the RELEASE bit. We don't need to think about them, we simply notice, relax and release them with joyful indifference, like watching a passing parade, leaving our peace undisturbed.
5. RETURN TO THE BREATH
Kindly bring the mind back to the breath when it wanders off. Notice the sensation of breath at the nostrils or the rise and fall of the chest - whatever feels right for you. When you notice the mind has drifted away from the sensation of breath with a thought, sensation or feeling.....
SOME TIPS
I have been enjoying using my POM lavender eye pillow for my 5 minute RELAX shavasana. I have been making these eye pillows for some time now and use them in my yoga classes. As the eye pillows can't be washed they are enclosed in a WDC hand woven washable pillow case. They come with instructions, and a POM bookmark and are available for purchase
1. Find a comfy spot to lie down.
A comfy chair can sub in if somewhere to lie is not available.
2. Pop an eye pillow over your eyes, or close them.
3. RELAX THE BODY
You can do a progressive relaxation starting with letting go of the muscles in the feet and heading up the body ending with the face and head.
4. RELEASE THE THOUGHTS
If you are like me, all sorts of thoughts will pop into the mind. Try to see them like passing clouds - that pop into the mind, last for awhile and pass on through. That is the RELEASE bit. We don't need to think about them, we simply notice, relax and release them with joyful indifference, like watching a passing parade, leaving our peace undisturbed.
5. RETURN TO THE BREATH
Kindly bring the mind back to the breath when it wanders off. Notice the sensation of breath at the nostrils or the rise and fall of the chest - whatever feels right for you. When you notice the mind has drifted away from the sensation of breath with a thought, sensation or feeling.....
- Be happy you have noticed - no beating up!!
- Relax
- Release the thoughts
- Kindly return to the sensation of breathe
SOME TIPS
- You may want to set a timer so you are not concerned about the time. Do not to use your phone as this will be a distraction. A kitchen timer works well.
- Place your phone on silent and in another room so you are not distracted.
- When your mind strays from the breath, which it will, be a kind encouraging friend who returns it to the breath, not a harsh critical task master. I am much more receptive to a kind encouraging approach rather than a harsh critical one. Being aware of the unhelpful critical inner voice and replacing it with a kind one is always helpful. Practicing positive self talk in mediation is very helpful in creating this helpful habit.
I have been enjoying using my POM lavender eye pillow for my 5 minute RELAX shavasana. I have been making these eye pillows for some time now and use them in my yoga classes. As the eye pillows can't be washed they are enclosed in a WDC hand woven washable pillow case. They come with instructions, and a POM bookmark and are available for purchase
Pom x Sri Sisters Eye Pillows and Hand Loomed Pillow Case
Eye pillows are not designed to be washed. This eye pillow is enclosed in a hand loomed pillowcase made by the women at the Women's Development Centre. The pillow case will protect the eye pillow and can be washed.
Eye pillows are a useful tool to remind yourself to take five minutes of rest - or more - everyday. Pop the eye pillow over your eyes and enjoy your mini yoga shavasana; once you pop, you can't stop! You have been warned..
For the 5 minute Relax Shavasana Practice
Eye pillows are not designed to be washed. This eye pillow is enclosed in a hand loomed pillowcase made by the women at the Women's Development Centre. The pillow case will protect the eye pillow and can be washed.
Eye pillows are a useful tool to remind yourself to take five minutes of rest - or more - everyday. Pop the eye pillow over your eyes and enjoy your mini yoga shavasana; once you pop, you can't stop! You have been warned..
For the 5 minute Relax Shavasana Practice
- Cost - $15
- Includes an attractive eye pillow case made from handwoven sari fabric from the WDC
- To order please email maree@pom-melbourne.com
- I will email you back to confirm details and posting