Processing what we learn and read, connecting the dots, and synthesizing experiences are all essential for turning information into useful knowledge and for sparking creativity.

The way to do this is through integration.

We can find the secret to integration in lessons from the body.

Take a Cue From Corpse Pose

Yogis say that the most important pose in a practice is savasana — corpse pose. Often known as the “nap at the end of class,” savasana is not likely to appear in your Instagram feed because it isn’t a “fancy” or “complicated” pose. You simply lay on your back.

The simplicity of its appearance belies its true nature. Many yogis find savasana to be one of the most challenge poses because it’s so simple and because it’s feels like we’re doing nothing.

And on the surface, we are doing nothing. But it would be a mistake to believe what we see on the surface.

The work in savasana is happening under the surface. Savasana is when the body integrates all the work we did throughout practice.

Extracting Nutrients

After we eat a meal, our bodies engage in digestion: a process of breaking down food into substances that can be used by the body.

Digestion is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, which is known as “rest and digest” response. The very name tells you what is needed to facilitate the process.

Mind Follows Body

Our minds also require this type of process through which to synthesize what we absorb and experience into knowledge that we can use in the future.

This is the process of integration, and it is crucial for taking the contents of book, a course, an experience, or any other information and turning it into useful knowledge.