SURYA NAMASKAR: DISCOVER THE MEANING OF YOGA’S SUN SALUTATIONS BEYOND THE POSES
Whether you're a seasoned yogi or taking your first steps onto the mat, you most likely have heard of yoga’s most iconic sequence of postures, the Sun Salutations.
Sun Salutations, or Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, is a series of postures performed in a fluid sequence, synchronized with the breath. Each movement gracefully transitions into the next, creating a rhythmic flow that energizes the body, calms the mind, and uplifts the spirit. Traditionally, the Sun Salutations sequence is practiced facing the rising or setting sun, honoring the solar energy that sustains all life on Earth. What an amazing way to celebrate the union of mind, body and spirit with this energizing experience!
Benefits of Sun Salutations:
Physical Vitality: Sun Salutations offer a full-body workout, engaging muscles, joints, and internal organs. The sequence enhances flexibility, strength, and endurance, promoting overall physical well-being.
Mental Clarity: The synchronized breath and movement in Sun Salutations create a meditative flow, calming the mind and reducing stress. Practicing Sun Salutations can enhance concentration, focus, and mental resilience.
Energetic Alignment: Sun Salutations stimulate the flow of prana, or life force energy, throughout the body, harmonizing the subtle energy channels (nadis) and balancing the chakras. This enhances vitality, vitality, and a sense of inner harmony.
✨ Here's a glimpse into the postures in the Sun Salutations:
Sun Salutations A
Standing Mountain Pose - Tadasana
Extended Mountain Pose - Utthita Hastasana (in Tadasana)
Standing Forward Fold - Uttanasana
Half Lift - Ardha Uttanasana
Half Plank - Chaturanga Dandasana
Upward Facing Dog - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana
Half Lift - Ardha Uttanasana
Standing Forward Fold - Uttanasana
Extended Mountain Pose - Utthita Hastasana
Mountain Pose - Tadasana
Sun Salutations B
Standing Mountain Pose - Tadasana
Chair Pose - Utkatasana
Standing Forward Fold - Uttanasana
Half Lift - Ardha Uttanasana
Half Plank - Chaturanga Dandasana
Upward Facing Dog - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana
Warrior 1 - Virabhadrasana 1 right side
Half Plank - Chaturanga Dandasana
Upward Facing Dog - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana
Warrior 1 - Virabhadrasana 1 left side
Half Plank - Chaturanga Dandasana
Upward Facing Dog - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana
Downward Facing Dog - Adho Mukha Svanasana
Half Lift - Ardha Uttanasana
Standing Forward Fold - Uttanasana
Chair Pose - Utkatasana
Mountain Pose - Tadasana
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SUN SALUTATIONS?
CHECK OUT A SHORT VIDEO BELOW “HOW TO DO CHATURANGA DANDASANA CORRECTLY”
WANT TO DIVE EVEN DEEPER??
“Illuminate Your Yoga Practice with Sun Salutations” online on-demand workshop
In this workshop, we will delve into the history and significance of the most traditional sequences, Sun Salutations A and B, exploring the names of the poses in both Sanskrit and English, and thoroughly breaking down each pose.
Let’s experience the radiant glow of one of yoga's most iconic sequences: the Sun Salutation. Often hailed as a complete practice in itself, the Sun Salutation offers a dynamic blend of movement, breath, and intention, inviting practitioners to greet the day with vitality, grace, and reverence. Let's embark on a journey to explore the significance, benefits, and variations of this beloved yoga sequence.