By Jessica Soligon

Interviewed by Lori (Priya) Kenney  

I love Shavasana.  My life can get very stressful, and relaxing can be a challenge.  If things are crazy and I have a half hour, I turn to Shavasana.  I play Gurudevi’s Shavasana track on my phone, lie down and relax.

Earlier this year, I took the Shavasana Course.  The first night, Swami Prajñananada asked each of us to say why we were in the class.  I said I hoped to be still and relax.  I thought the course would teach me to slow down, and I’d learn more about relaxation.  What I got wasn’t what I expected.  

Six nights in a row, we did way more than relax.  I was submerged in my true Self.  I felt very calm and connected to something bigger than myself.  Sometimes I went within so deeply that I lost awareness of Swami P’s voice.  Those two hours and a half every night were an amazing and transformative experience.  I’m so glad the course didn’t meet my expectations!  

I loved the course and looked forward to it every day.  On really stressful days, I was especially grateful to go home and let go of the stress.  No matter how I felt during the day, the evening session left me feeling so good.  Since taking the course, I am more confident.  I know what to do to get centered and be in my Self.   

Now I’m more connected with my personal journey.  I have a better understanding of myself as a yogi.  My practice has deepened.  I am more comfortable and can participate freely without overthinking. Before I was always trying to figure things out.  The Shavasana Course helped me trust the process more.