Surya Namaskar, and why it should be a part of your life.
Surya Namaskar, a sequence that has been moving human bodies all over the world for over 5000 years! It is perhaps the most ancient series of poses practiced by human beings, which must mean, that there is something pretty powerful in the classical version of the Surya Namaskar.
In my opinion, this sequence is a lifesaver for all people living in our modern society that is based on long hours seated in front of a computer screen. 5000 years ago, or even only 100 years ago, life was naturally moving human bodies in their everyday lives. Nowadays, different kinds of vehicles are moving us from one place to another which drastically reduces the steps taken by our very own feet a day. The less we move our bodies the more tension, aches, and slugginess we experience in our physical form. Regular high and medium intensity level movement helps us to stay healthy and keeps our metabolism active throughout the day.
Flowing through the Sun Salutation sequence is an easily accessible way to introduce a healthy and active routine to your lifestyle. Practicing this sequence is doable almost anywhere you are and to all fitness levels! All you need is a yoga mat and enough space to lay that mat on the floor. No props, only the symphony of your body, mind, breath, and soul.
I teach the classical version of Surya Namaskar in almost every class because it’s such a powerful sequence that brings great benefits to your whole being. Let’s go through some of the benefits of this ancient sequence.
Strengthens the whole body.
Releases lower back tension. The extension and flexion of the spine stretches and strengthens the lower back.
Opens the hip joints. Sitting on chairs all day tightens and damages the hips. Practicing Surya Namaskar does the opposite: it opens the hip joints in extension and flexion bringing back tier natural movement.
Makes the whole body feel vibrant. The constant strengthening and opening movement of the body, guided by your breath, makes the whole body feel alive!
Brings clarity and focus to the mind. By freeing your body from the tension you free the mind from tension. By strengthening the body you strengthen the mind. By uniting the mind, body, and breath your brain gets stimulated in ways that bring harmony in your whole being.
Frees the breath. The whole sequence moves in one plane; from a backbend to a forward bend. Each backbend opens the chest and the diaphragm making more space for your breath to flow freely. Each forward bend opens the back of your body creating more awareness and space in the back of your lungs.
Helps you to set intentions. Look deep within and find your intention for the day. Then, get on your mat and with each inhalation breath your intention into your whole being, and with each exhalation let go of what is no longer serving you. The more often we repeat a thought the more it becomes a part of who we are, and the more likely it will manifest in our life.
Gives you a good amount of health promoting exercise in a short time. In only five minutes you can flow through a few rounds of Surya Namaskar and start to feel its energizing effects.
Pretty impressive benefits, right? And those are only a few of the key benefits of this unique sequence. I absolutely LOVE Surya Namaskar and couldn’t imagine my life without it. I’m on a mission to introduce this amazing sequence to as many people as I can and to help them make it part of their daily life!
