Savasana Under the Stars Creates the Ultimate Meditative State

Some days, it can be difficult to remember that you are part of a much larger Universe. When you need a reminder of this interconnectedness (or, depending on your mood, your infinite or insignificant nature), there’s no time or place to chew on reality better that at night beneath a blanket of stars. And there’s no better yoga pose to support the moment than Savasana.

The first time I tried Corpse Pose outdoors at night, it was sort of an accident. I was lying on a blanket in the grass, eyes wide in an effort to see as much of the annual Perseid meteor shower as humanly possible. My partner went inside to make tea, and left alone, I shut my eyes and turned inward for a few minutes of meditation.

By the time he returned, I had cultivated an inner stillness so profound that it lasted for days and felt as magical as the shooting stars we saw that night.

If you’ve spent any amount of time lying on your back staring up at the stars, you know the power of the position. Bouts of vertigo aside, shifting your perspective from the horizon line to the vast Universe above is one of the quickest and most effective ways to experience awe.

It also makes sense that shuttering my eyes and meditating in this environment resulted in such a strong sense of mindfulness. Moving a meditation practice outside is proven to compound its benefits. As with standard meditation, outdoor meditation reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, eases stress, improves cognitive health, and supports your overall well-being. The bonuses of meditating in nature come down to connectedness and awareness of the world around you.

Now, add Savasana to the equation. The pose is the final, quiet end to most yoga classes; a chance to lie in complete stillness, with nothing to do but allow whatever energy was created or released during your flow to integrate into your being. Some even fall asleep in Savasana, as if the permission to pause is all the body and mind needed for safety and rest.

Being outside at night in any shape comes with a certain amount of vulnerability. Lying on your back with your eyes closed is akin to surrender. In the dark open air, Savasana allows your inner world to calm, inviting the energy of your natural surroundings to seep in. When you open your eyes, the stars wait to support your suspicion that you are part of something wondrous.