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The Wonderful Art of Surya Namaskaar

Fitness, Health, Yoga

The Wonderful Art of Surya Namaskaar

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Surya Namaskaar or as we know it, “Sun Salutation” is a wonderful sequence to demonstrate our gratitude to the sun, the source of warmth and energy.  Additionally, the sequence is also a good way to stretch our bodies. Surya Namaskaar is usually performed in the mornings, at sunrise, on an empty stomach. The sequence is perfect for performing a quick workout, especially when we are short of time, as well as for a thorough stretch before a yoga session.

To truly benefit from Surya Namaskaar, we must learn to become one with the sun and internalize it. It must truly become a part of our system. Surya Namaskaar is all about creating a dimension within ourselves, such that our physical cycles are in sync with the sun’s cycles, which run at about twelve-and-a-quarter years.

Hence, the sequence is designed by intent, with twelve postures or twelve asanas as a part of it. If our system is in a certain level of vibrancy and readiness, and in a good state of receptivity, then our cycle will naturally be in sync with the solar cycle.

Surya Namaskar is an ideally balanced set of 11 or 12 asanas that helps in stretching our muscles, massages our internal organs, and gives us energy. However, it’s not just about physical work but also about awareness of the breath and movement and our genuine gratefulness to the sun. This makes Surya Namaskar a flowing meditation that can also relieve stress and depression.

The variety of the benefits of the Surya Namaskaar sequence depends on the tempo. Do it fast if we want some cardio to warm up our body, or slowly for enhancing muscle and body organs.

If we’re just beginning our Sun Salutation practice, it’s recommended to start with 1 round 3-4 times a week, gradually working our way up.

The benefits of Surya Namaskar and Hatha Yoga can be maximized by following a few simple steps during practice. In this post, Sapna Sondhi Dutt of Yoga With Sapna explains how to do the postures as well as their meaning via these two wonderful videos below. Let us have a look.

Explanations of Sun Salutations asanas

Sapna doing the Surya Namaskar sequence

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