I learned a Sun Salutation last week. A way of honoring the sun, welcoming it’s warmth and power into your heart. It warms up the body and muscles before performing yoga or it’s good just on it’s own if you don’t have time for a whole yoga session. Practiced at the start of your day and / or ending your day.
Sun Salutations are performed facing the sunrise or sunset and on an empty stomach. In Sanskrit they are called Surya Namaskara (‘to adore the sun’) and they normally consist of 12 poses which are done in sequence of one gradual graceful and balanced flow. I’ve found many variations on these poses…some of which are too hard for me right now. Some variations have 8-15 yoga poses (asanas). And, I think you’re supposed to do these multiple times in a row, but I only do them 3 times.
Okay…all seriousness aside folks. Now..don’t laugh at me…(actually, go ahead, I won’t be offended). Keep in mind I’m a beginner. I have “little to none” in the flexibility department. In fact, in the 3rd pic and the downward dog pic, I was laughing so hard because my daughter who was shooting this…was having camera issues and to hold these positions was like having bamboo splints shoved under my fingernails. Just sayin. Oh…and you just come back here in the spring and see how much better I’ve become!
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- Start with Mountain pose, (feet about hip width apart) hands by your sides OR in prayer position. Take a few deep breaths.
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- Inhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended . Gently arch back (only as far as is comfortable)
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- During an exhale: bend forward, (bend knees if necessary) Rest your hands beside your feet. Note: This is how it looks when your not flexible.
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- Inhale and step the right leg back into a lunge.
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- Exhale and step the left leg backward to plank position. Hold position. Inhale.
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- Exhale and lower yourself to the floor (like ending a push-up). Inhale. Stretch forward and up, bending at your waist. Use your arms to lift your torso, and bend back (but as far as feels comfortable). Lift your legs up so that just the top of your feet and your hands touch the floor. Keep arms bent at the elbow if you need to.
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- Exhale and lift from the hips to push back and up. Downward Dog. (Usually the pose where I ‘let one loose’ – lol)
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- Inhale and step the right foot forward (Lunge)
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- Exhale, bring the left foot forward and step into head-to-knee position. (I’m still not right here)
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- Inhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended
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- Complete the sequence with Namaste. Then start over working your other side of your body.
I'm Sheila. In addition to raising 1 husband and 3 teens, I've founded 
You look like you’re doing great! I’m so not flexible at all, and yoga has definitely been helping. Now it’s just a question of whether I can keep doing it!
Good for you, I am so glad that this has worked out for you! Do you feel that it relieves stress?
sheila Reply:
August 11th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Yes, yes, and yes. I know you only asked one question. lol
You’re brave! I would do a sun salutation every day if that meant the weather would be comfortable 78 degrees and sunny. This would be the only way I could do yoga too – alone.
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LOVE yoga! This is fantastic. And so good for the heart,mind, and soul. Bravo.
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