We live in a fast-paced world, constantly hustling from one thing to the next. A five minute break is easily consumed with the busyness of returning a phone call while simultaneously swiping through emails. It can be incredibly difficult to slow down and turn down the noise of contemporary life. Yoga creates the necessary space to be present. It is a retreat inward to focus on the stillness that is stirring within us. This stillness is the balanced and life-giving force of the soul. Directing both mental and physical concentration, yoga is used to quiet the mind, balance the body, and deeply connect with the soul.
The first texts describing yoga were written by Patanjali 2,500 years ago in the Yoga-sutra. This scared work describes the principles of an ancient practice that is so much more than an exercise. Yoga is an art, science, and philosophy, one that is rooted in India and has evolved into modern times.
The word yoga means “union” and it is a practice that unites the mind, body, and soul. It recognizes the union we have with all of creation and the life-giving force that moves through all things. A sacred connection exists between our self and our surroundings. All of existence, and each human life, is a complex system of particles in motion. Yoga is a space to balance each of these particles, appreciating their movement and the forces that govern them. Give thanks for the particles that work to function as cells in your body. Recognize the deep devotion as your cells come together to form tissues and structure an organ that gives life to your lungs.
Yoga focuses to bring your mind back to your body, and your body back to your breath. Breathing is so simple, an involuntary process that we often take for granted. When you become aware of your breath you can use it as an anchor to guide the movement of your muscles and your mind. Our breath is powerful and can be consciously used to restore and reprogram the cells in our body.
When practicing yoga, you’ll learn about the deepest parts of yourself. These teachings can be taken with you and applied to situations in everyday life. Yoga brings awareness to your center, the focal point between the mind, body, and soul. This practice helps you navigate towards inner peace, and it teaches you about your boundaries. You learn to recognize when to lean in, when to draw back, and when to stay still.
Alongside the calming and relaxing properties of yoga, the practice offers many benefits for physical health and wellness. A few of these benefits include increasing blood flow and circulation, improving posture, relieving tension, and strengthening the muscles and internal organs. There are also detoxifying properties as it aids to release built up tension and negative energy that is stored in the body. The stress we encounter from day to day can form blockages that prevent us from living a healthy life. These blockages, when left unresolved, can manifest into deeper illness and dis-ease. Bringing awareness to your breath, yoga is a tool to guide the body through mindful movement, working to release this tension and dissolve the blockages.
Yoga is for everyone, any age and any fitness level. It is not about how flexible you are or how strong your core is. It is about recognizing where you hold tension in the body and compassionately greeting this energy. Sit with it, understand why this stress has made a place inside of you. As you remain rooted by your breath, gently guide this negative energy to exit your body.
Surya Namaskar
A Sun Salutation, traditionally known as Surya Namaskar, is a sequence of yoga that rhythmically syncs 12 poses with your inhaling and exhaling breath. It is often used as a way to warm up the body and initiate a yoga session. This sequence can be used to calm the mind and recenter your focus. It brings your body back to your breath and promotes flexibility of the joints and spine.
Just as the name implies, Sun Salutations are saluting to the sun. This movement honors the sun and its life-giving energy. Start your morning with a series of Sun Salutations to welcome the light of a new day. Practice Sun Salutations in the evening to wish the sun farewell as you give thanks for the day’s work. This yoga sequence can be performed rhythmically in several rounds.
Sun Salutation A
Below is a sequence of poses for a basic variation of Sun Salutation A.
Seated Sun Salutation
I have also included a seated Sun Salutation series. This yoga sequence is so easy to incorporate into your routine. You can practice this when space is limited or if you don’t have a yoga mat. All you need to do is grab a chair and take a seat. I use this seated Sun Salutation throughout the workday for a little brain break. Without leaving my desk, this stretching sequence helps calm my mind, improve my posture, and release tension from my joints and spine.
Incorporate one of these Sun Salutation yoga sequences into your routine! Rest with inner peace and live in harmony as you work towards finding your center, learning to balance, and letting energy flow freely through the mind, body, and soul.
“Quiet the mind and the soul will speak.”
Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati