Corpse Pose by Lexie Wolf
It’s often said that the most important pose in yoga is Savasana, or corpse pose. At the end of most yoga classes, we lie on the floor in stillness for five or ten minutes. On a physical level, it allows the body to rest and integrate the movement practice. At a philosophical and spiritual level, Savasana invites us to recognize and practice surrendering to our own impermanence — the central fact of human existence.
Yoga does not shy away from death. Quite the opposite. And, in its own way, neither has Yoga Garden. Over the years, this little studio has become home to some of the grief work led by heart2heartNC. I’ve come to understand that our classes and gatherings became a place of refuge for many people — a place to be held in kindness and compassion while facing life’s most difficult realities.
As Yoga Garden approaches its own ending, I felt it was important to try to model a “good” death. A thoughtful completion of the cycle.
It took me years as a teacher to learn not to rush the endings of my classes. To leave enough space for all of us to wind down and integrate. There is something healing about being allowed to complete an experience fully.We don’t always get that privilege in life. Some endings arrive suddenly, without preparation, and those abrupt losses can be some of the most painful and disorienting experiences we endure.
For me, this slow ending has felt too long and very uncomfortable at times. But it has been good practice for me to sit with that.
In moments of moving into and through the discomfort, underneath there is joy.
Because we did this, together. A big complex group project that came out unique and beautiful and mattered to people. It existed for a moment in time, and it was real and full of heart.
What more could I possibly ask for?
So I hope you’ll join us on Sunday from 3–5pm as we celebrate this completion with love, music, and gratitude. We’ll hold a simple ceremony to close the circle. When we opened Yoga Garden in June of 2021, we walked clockwise around the building with our friends from heart2heart leading the way. This time, we’ll walk together counterclockwise to close the circle. Bring a small hand drum if you have one. There will be song, reflection, and community. Simple and sweet.
Please join us if you feel called. I’d absolutely love to see you.
love,
Lexie
Encore! On the weekend of May 23rd and 24th, a few of our most beloved gatherings will meet in the space one final time — Kriya Yoga, Grief in Motion, Women’s Circle, and Men’s Circle — each exploring surrender and completion in its own way. Sign up on our events page here.
