One of my long-time students mentioned to me the other day that she really wanted to understand the components of the sun salutation so that she could do them on her own.  It made me realize that even though we may come to class consistently, it can be challenging to remember all the different movements and poses we explore.  So I thought I’d break down the sun salutation here.

Here’s a little background on the sun salutation (Surya Namaskar –pronounced sur-yah, nama-skar). Some link the sun salutation to as far back as 2,500 years ago. Traditionally, it consists of a series of 12 poses, that are done on the rhythm of the breath, with each pose connected to a mantra. 

The sun salutation typically moves us through forward bends and backbends.  But one of the things that I love about them, is that they have the potential to include side bends and twists as well as Warrior poses so that we get the opportunity to move the spine in all of its directions, and we get to move in multiple planes of motion. 

If you attend a traditional vinyasa class, you’ll notice that the sun salutation forms the basis for the standing poses.  In some lineages of yoga, they break the series into Surya Namaskar A and Surya Namaskar B.

One of the things I enjoy thinking about as I practice and teach sun salutations is the sun.  I love that these movements can become very devotional: a way to thank the sun for its light, warmth, nourishment.  In fact, it is believed that ancient cultures honored the sun through these types of movements every morning – like a prayer to the sun – a way to show their gratitude.

And because they are linked with a breath, and at times various mantras, they can become a moving meditation.

No matter what form of Sun Salutation you practice, you might consider the practice as a way to thank the sun for the way it nourishes life on Earth and sustains us. You can also use it to honor your own light and the way you show up in the world to be the light for others, as well as to honor the light of others in your life. 

ps - you can check out Sun Salutations with mantras here

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