SUN SALUTATIONS: WHAT ARE THEY AND WHY DO WE PRACTICE THEM?
In the most literal sense, a Sun Salutation, or Surya Namaskar, called in Sanskrit, the language of yoga, is a specific series of yoga poses performed in sequence.
While the history of the physical practice of the Surya Namaskar sequence is a bit unclear, it is known that it was initially a sequence of sacred words honouring the sun that would be chanted at sunrise each morning rather than the sequence of poses we are familiar with today.
Why do we honour the sun? As Shiva Rea, creator of Prana Flow Yoga and founder of the Global Mala Project, said, “All of life” on Earth depends on the sun.”
Sun Salutations are an energizing sequence that links body, breath, and mind in a moving meditation of gratitude for the life force and healing energy the sun provides. While they can be practised at any time of the day, early morning hours are often considered perfect for Them since the mind is most likely calm and clear first thing in the morning.
The Sun Salutation sequence is essential to the vinyasa (or flow) yoga practice. This series is used as an energy-building warm-up and often repeated throughout practice as a smooth transition between other sequences. Because Sun Salutations are repeated often during class, practising them with proper pose alignment and breath work is essential.
To learn more about sun salutations, proper pose alignment, and transitions and how to incorporate them into your practice, join a 200-hour yoga teacher training program at AYM Yoga School in Goa. The course starts on the 05th of every month and lasts until the 27th.
Sun Salutation
Sun salutation is a universal tool that suits anyone at any level, situation, and condition. It is a rhythmical symmetrical exercise with many “layers.” It clears the mind and stimulates each chakra. A chakra mantra segment is assigned to each of the 12 poses. ​Sun salutation works as an antidote. It is not a panacea but a severe help to cure unwanted emotional conditions.
The Sun Salutation Challenge (SSC) by AYM Yoga School is designed to help you establish a consistent morning exercise routine that significantly enhances your well-being. This challenge offers yoga sequences that can be adapted to suit most fitness levels. It’s like harnessing solar power for your body, mind, and energy.