Salute to the Sun (Surya Namaskara)
Salute to the Sun has a few different names including the traditional name Surya Namaskara or in some yoga traditions Surya Namaskar, which both translate as Sun Salutations.
Surya Namaskara is a sequence of seven postures across 12 steps that is effective in inducing a healthy, vigorous and active life. When regularly practiced it stimulates and balances all the systems of the body including circulatory, respiratory, digestive, skeletal, muscular, endocrine and reproductive systems. Other benefits include:
- improved strength, flexibility and posture; and
- reduced anxiety and improved mental clarity by invigorating the nervous system.
Seven postures – sounds easy!!!!! When you first start practicing you can doubt your ability to do this practice. I suggest that you just take it one posture at a time. Transitioning between the postures can feel like that hardest part, but with modifications and practice this becomes easier. Remember everyone’s body is different so do what you can.
This practice is best done with an empty stomach first this in the morning, yep just before sunrise or in the evening at sunset. Start by doing this practice for two rounds each day and progressing to doing this 5 – 8 rounds as you feel comfortable. Believe me the first 3 feel the hardest, then you let go and start to feel the flow and benefits of the practice.
Important note: You need to do this every time. When you finish doing Surya Namaskara, you need to allow all your body systems to settle, so lay down on your back and take slow deep breaths for a couple of minutes.
Watch as I show you how to do the various practices.
So now it is your turn. Setup a quiet clean space to practice. Set your alarm to wake you up just before the sun rises or 10 minutes earlier than you normally get up. Click on the recording and enjoy.
Make a comment and tell me how you went with it.