I am always fascinated that there is actually a “set-up” to this posture.
- the feet together
- the direction of the heals and toes
- maintaining something called carriage in the body
- slowing the breathing
- arms down the side of body, palms up
- shoulders on the floor

Am I missing anything.  It just seems misleading to call it corpse , you know?
Any other thoughts out there?

Namaste. . . .

Hi Edge

Yes, I know what you mean. Seems quite odd that we need instructions to lie there. There are some good reasons for that though. A set of instructions means that it is supposedly repeatable. What I like to say is that when you get your body in the same position time after time, you trigger a deeper state of relaxation (and become more and more like a breathing motionless being). Because relaxation and meditation (and most things we do) are learned skills, we can practice them. So every time you get back to the floor you anchor yourself to re-experience what it means to be in this position. You probably know yourself how hard it can be to completely let go and stay still, not moving a muscle, not even twitching a finger, not even thinking.

Totally misleading to call it corpse pose because we are breathing but hopefully staying as still as a corpse in body and in mind. Maybe the naming has to do with it being a translation which has more than one meaning. Anyone out there know?

What I do know is that it is very hard to train the body and mind to stay still at the same time. How well do you manage? How well do you feel you can surrender everything? I am interested in your thoughts.

Namaste
Gabrielle

As with all aspects of my Bikram practice, I find my ability to be still (mind & body) very variable.  One thing that often bothers me is the sensation of sweat trickling down my scalp as I lie on my back.  Sometimes I am trying so hard not to scratch it & probably using so much energy in resisting it, that I think I may as well.  I think it might depend on how tired you are.  In between the more difficult postures for me, when my heart is beating really fast etc, I think I am more able to be still.  Today, after almost a week of not practising because of being away for Easter etc, I actually found more stillness that I often do.  I put it down to needing it more, which I definitely did, but maybe there is another explanation.  Anyway, hope this helps.  Namaste.  Jacquie