This video introduces the yoga sun salutation.
Before the yoga sun salutation... What is yoga?
Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit. It is a philosophy. This way of life has existed for 5000 years!
Yoga includes 5 principles:
– First principle: proper exercise (asanas)
– Second principle: proper breathing (pranayama)
– Third principle: proper relaxation (savasana)
– Fourth principle: proper eating (vegetarian diet)
– Fifth principle: meditation (dhyana) and positive thinking (vedanta)
With Body Mind Co, I will teach you Hatha yoga. Hatha yoga means union between the sun and the moon. In a class, we alternate between posture and relaxation. The practice is very meditative.
Now, let’s have a look at the yoga sun salutation. This is what will make your body warm and ready for the postures.
The sun salutation in yoga
OM1: First, bring your hands together, in front of your chest.
OM2: Then you can lift your arms from your fingers to the sky. Keep the neck long.
OM3: Your arms bring you far forward and down with your upper body. Try to have your fingers touching the floor in line with your toes. You can bend the knees slightly, but imagine a lot of space within your body.
OM4: Then, your right knee goes far back on the floor. Your left foot is between your hands. Look up keeping the neck long.
OM5: Go to plank, creating a long line with your body from your heels to the top of your head.
OM6: Put your knees down, chest between your hands and forehead on the ground.
OM7: Lengthen your body from the tip of your toes. Without using your hands, use your back to lift your head slightly. You can look to the front (or down-front), neck and spine staying very long.
OM8: Pelvis flies up, pushing with hands and feet in reverse V.
OM9: Bring your right foot between your hands, left knee on the ground.
OM10: Bring your left foot next to the right. Release the weight of your head and spine.
OM11: Go far forwards and up with your arms and upper body.
OM12: Finally let the arms go forwards and relaxed.
Yoga sun salutation repetition
You can repeat this for the left side, and as many times as you want. When you are done, just separate your feet a little. Close your eyes and stand there. Listen to your sensations. What can you feel within your body? Can you listen to your heartbeat? And your body temperature?
Once you are used to the sun salutation, your can connect it with the breath. Otherwise, take as much time as you need, and breathe. Indeed, breath is what is going to help you relax your body and let go of unnecessary tensions.