Sun Salutations

I recently read a lovely article written by Chuck Miller, regarding Surya Namaskara, or Sun Salutations. I love teaching this in my classes, because of the many many benefits it offers, plus I find it fun to flow through the movements. While the body is in motion, you are concentrating on the breath, and barely realizing that you are stretching and strengthening your body.

A piece of the article called, "Surya Namaskara is a Moving Prayer" says:

"(Surya Namaskara) is no ordinary act. Your full power of attention is focused on the present moment. Dive deep within yourself to discover the power of the sun that resides in every cell and impulse of who and what you are. Move slowly with awareness. Movement and breath are intimately linked. As the breath becomes deeper and slower the movements also follow. No hurry. Lengthening the breath is symbolic of and has the effect of lengthening the life span. The breath is a reflection of the cosmic inhale and exhale; the creation and dissolution. Cosmic and mundane arise from the same laws." - Chuck Miller

Beautiful! I try to find time to do a few sun salutes every single day. If I cannot make it to a yoga class, and don't have the gumption to direct myself, I can at least do a few sun salutations. They limber the body, and energize me for the day.

The following link is to a site that will help guide you through Surya Namaskara, in case you cannot remember all the pieces: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/sunsalutation.asp Keep in mind that there are different variations of the cycle of poses, and I usually include a "Monkey Pose" after the initial forward bend, and again just before coming up into "Mountain Pose" at the end.

In these winter days of waning sun, it is important to generate our own heat and light. Practicing our sun salutes will bring vibrancy and energy into the coldest months.