Sun salutations are a cornerstone in many yoga classes. The 12 postures, all connected by inhales and exhales, are often used as a way to warm the body. In Sanskrit, the sequence is called Surya Namaskar, which translates to ‘greeting the sun,’ designating the movements as a way to start the day and energize the body.
On average, you can do about 12 sun salutation sequences in a class or practice on your own. On certain days, the flow can increase by a couple of rounds up to the astronomical of 108.
Why 108?
It is an auspicious regular number used in yoga. While its meaning is subject to interpretation, 108 is described as a “yoga code’, a glimpse at our inner personality and self-understanding.
For instance, breathing exercises ( pranayama) are typically repeated at least 108 times. It is said that there are 108 beads inside the japa mala and 108 sacred points within the body as per the yoga science that is a sister to it, Ayurveda.
Why do it?
The practice of 108 sun salutations can be used to celebrate an upcoming change in season, for example, such as the fall equinox or the summer solstice. The sequence isn’t restricted only to seasonal change; whenever a change occurs in your life, you are able to embrace the challenging and grounded line.
This is what’s unique about sun salutations that are sequential in that they go beyond a simple warming-up. They can easily be a complete warming sequence that helps draw in inner strength and allow for transformation.
You find your rhythm
A soundtrack can be an effective method to enter your flow. However, you’ll find that being in touch with your breath ( ujjayi can be extremely helpful in this case) can assist you in identifying the rhythm that unites breathing and your body. This rhythm will help you discover your flow and also pinpoint the flow state, which is a state that gives you absolute concentration.
You find deeper connections
Engaging in 108 sun salutations will connect you to your body, mind, breath, and all that is beyond. Typically, you are able to communicate with your mind first since thoughts might be able to enter and leave the flow (for instance, “How did I get myself in this? ?”). You are aware of your body’s holistic nature because you recognize that regular movements need you to change your posture.
It also helps to connect with the breath, moving to the beat of your inhales and exhales. You might even discover that your connection goes beyond your body and mind and drags you to an enlightened awareness.
Then, you begin to think about the weaknesses you have and then build your strengths
The 108 sequence was created to test your abilities, acting as a mirror for your mind. You will soon have to be aware of your shortcomings and misalignments. If you usually don’t like sun salutations, you might begin to appreciate these sequences. If you’re used to it, however, you might be able to get frustrated. Begin the exercise with a wide-open mind and think about the experience afterward. There’s constantly something fresh to discover!
You put in effort to create it
It’s not a surprise that performing the 108 sun salutations takes energy and effort, but the point is worth it. After completion, you could be feeling more energetic than when you first began the exercise.
Sun salutations 108 is a wealth of information to teach us, so long as we spend the time to make the space. They can assist in helping the practice of mindfulness as well as our body, mind, and our lives away from the mat.