In kindergarten, when I came in from noon recess, I would
get my carpet remnant, unroll it on the floor, and
collapse. My teacher, Mrs. Mantas would play soft music
and turn down the lights. I took a mini-vacation, and ten
minutes later I came back, replenished. I must agree with
author Robert Fulghum that everything you need to know you
learned in kindergarten.

My yoga classes always end with a kindergarten vacation, a
yoga posture called the corpse pose. The corpse pose is
scientifically proven to be the best position to put your
body in for deep relaxation. It’s simple; lay flat on your
back, feet slightly apart, hands at your sides with your
palms up. You may want to place a folded blanket or pillow
under your knees, especially if you have lower back pain.
Make sure you are warm and won’t be disturbed. Now close
your eyes.

Start scanning your body for areas of tension and
tightness. When you find a tense spot, take a deep breath.
As you exhale, consciously relax that part of your body.
It may help to mentally say “relax.” Continue this until
you feel as if you’re melting into the floor. Remain in
this completely relaxed state for five to fifteen minutes.


The corpse pose is the most important of all the yoga poses
because of its numerous physical and mental benefits. In
this deep state of relaxation your pulse, respiration and
brain waves will slow. As physical tension is released,
flexibility increases, and the healing process accelerates.
The corpse pose is better than a two-hour nap for
increasing energy and performance, and it doesn’t interfere
with your sleep at night or make you as groggy as a nap.

If you can master the corpse pose you’ll find you have a
priceless tool for making it through a grueling day.
Taking a mental break and leaving your worries behind for a
few minutes will increase clarity and mental concentration,
and significantly reduce stress. Often, you will
experience a deep feeling of peacefulness which will last
for many hours.

Now, as I look out at my students lying peacefully on the
floor, I often reflect on Mrs. Mantas and the value of the
lessons I learned in kindergarten.

Lori Chandler is a registered yoga teacher who teaches at
CWU and throughout the Ellensburg community.