Sun Salutation is known as Surya Namaskar in sanskrit. Its origin lies in India where they worship Surya (the sun), as both the physical and spiritual heart of our world and creator of all life itself. Our primary source of light is, of course, the sun.
As we known, light has long been a symbol of consciousness and self-illumination in many cultures. “The world begins with the coming of light,” wrote Jungian analyst Erich Neumann in The Origins and History of Consciousness. “Opposition between light and darkness has informed the spiritual world of all peoples and molded it into shape.”
One of the ways we can honour the sun is through this beautiful asana sequence Surya Namaskar (known as Sun Salutation). The Sanskrit word namaskar, means “to bow to” or “to adore.” Each Sun Salutation begins and ends with the joined-hands mudra (gesture) touched to the heart space. This placement of the hands is no accident; only the heart can see and know the truth.
The best time to practice Surya Namaskar is first thing in the morning at sunrise, on an empty stomach.
Benefits of Sun Salutations:
Its a wonderful way to wake your body up. By practicing at least 5 rounds of Sun Salutation it will really help to awaken, stretch and say good morning to your body. It also gets the energy moving. Its also a really great way to know your body and its limits (remember we are always a little tighter in the morning after 8 hours of sleep so go easy on yourself).
Its a great way to greet your day. When I was struggling with anxiety and depression, there were many mornings when I struggled to leave my bed to face the challenges of my day. By practicing yoga daily, as well as investing in healing, practicing meditation and incorporating a healthier diet, I was finally able to recover this lost confidence.
Its a perfect sequence of yoga poses.This sequence of poses is designed to center you in your heart. It also helps you to focus your mind, gives you energy and strength as well as inner strength and clarity.
Tadasana (Mountain Pose) centers you, gives you balance and connects your to your breath. Uttanasana (forward bend) relaxes you as well as releases the spine. As you look up in in Ardha Uttanasana (Half standing forward bend) this gives you the self-assurance and confidence to face whatever the day ahead brings you. Sphinx, Cobra or Upward Facing Dog energizes the spine, and opens up the chakras (energy centres located along the spine). Downward Facing Dog is relaxing (may not be in the beginning though!), grounding and a simply delicious pose (it helps to remove fatigue from your spine energising you), as well as helping you come back to your breath. Uttanasana centers you and Tadasana closes the sequence.
It improves digestion. We all at some stage have had digestive issues of some sort haven’t we? This is wonderful to practice in the morning (which will assist in bowel movement). It will improve your digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of the abdominal organs through the asana (poses).
Keeps you youthful. I know we all want this! This will keep you youthful and healthy even in old age. I plan to be practicing yoga in my 90’s!