Boboli Gardens-Florence, Italy

The notion of a salutation to the sun is to pay respects to the universe - specifically the sun, our source of light and life. It organically reminds us of our connection to the sun because intense heat is generated through the continuous movement. You will get hot and sweaty, which feels purifying, like taking a bath from the inside out.

In many cultures, light has long been a symbol of consciousness and self-illumination. Our primary source of light is, of course, the sun. When we look at our closest star, we may see nothing more than a big yellow ball. But for thousands of years, the Hindus have revered the sun, which they call Surya, as both the physical and spiritual heart of our world and the creator of all life itself. For the Hindus, the sun is the “eye of the world” (loka chakshus), seeing and uniting all selves in itself, an image of and a pathway to the divine.

One of the means of honoring the sun is through the dynamic asana sequence Surya Namaskar - better known as Sun Salutation.  The Sanskrit word namaskar stems from namas, which means “to bow to” or “to adore.”

The familiar phrase we use to close our yoga classes, namaste—te means “you”—also comes from this root. Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart. This placement is no accident; only the heart can know the truth.

The entire sequence of Surya Namaskar contains the entire practice within it. If we look at each posture that makes up the sequence of the sun salutations, we get a wide range of movements: forward bend, back bend, being still, lengthening the spine, grounding the feet, strengthening the upper body, stretching the hamstrings, expanding the lungs and more. By hearing the breath, holding our gaze, these movements allow us to center ourselves and to quiet our wandering mind.

Today is a great day to go outside and practice Surya Namaskar!

Enjoy-

Yoga Jane