Surya Namaskara • Sun Salutations
Originally practiced as a devotion to the Hindu solar deity, Surya, the sun salutation cycle is a dynamic flow of asanas that stretch the spine and awaken the chakras. The sun salutation cycle has many variations. The sequence featured below focuses on the essential postures and provides a solid starting point for any yoga practice. Controlled, rhythmic breathing enhances the benefits of the flow and supports the body in each position. For best results, breathe in when entering any posture where the body opens or expands and exhale during any movement where the body contracts or folds.
While the poses may be physically challenging at first, try to relax the muscles as much as possible, engaging only the parts of the body essential to the movement at hand. Feel for tightness in the body and send a healing breath to the muscles and joints that require release. Don't worry if the body feels tight—just relax, breathe, and move. The sun salutation cycle works on the principle of dynamic stretching, which opens the muscles gradually through the repetition of motion. For best results, try to complete at least five full cycles and work up to the ideal of moving through ten sun salutations once or twice each day.
While the poses may be physically challenging at first, try to relax the muscles as much as possible, engaging only the parts of the body essential to the movement at hand. Feel for tightness in the body and send a healing breath to the muscles and joints that require release. Don't worry if the body feels tight—just relax, breathe, and move. The sun salutation cycle works on the principle of dynamic stretching, which opens the muscles gradually through the repetition of motion. For best results, try to complete at least five full cycles and work up to the ideal of moving through ten sun salutations once or twice each day.
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