It’s raining… again… I know that in many countries rain is a blessing and I try really hard not to let it affect my mood, but the truth is I am a sun worshipper!
I love the Sun – I love the feel of it on my skin, warming, relaxing and rejuvenating, and I love the lift it gives my energy levels and mood.
The Sun brings light to our planet, provides warmth and allows things to grow.
At risk of sounding dramatic, without the Sun we would die. It is little wonder then that the Sun has been revered for thousands of years, by all cultures, and is the centre of many prayers, rituals and blessings. In yoga we honour and give thanks for the Sun with the beautiful Sun Sequence (Surya Namaskar), one of my personal favourite yoga practises.
In Dru we also visualise the Sun after many of our sequences or in relaxations, imagining it’s healing rays drenching our body, bringing life and energy to every cell. When I practise the sequence and visualise the Sun bringing light into my whole being I feel like I’ve had a mini holiday!
Surya Namaskar has many health benefits to offer us, here are just a few, it…
stretches and tones the whole body
strengthens the heart and lungs
brings balance to the endocrine system
improves digestive function
boosts energy levels and stimulates creativity.
So plenty of reasons to practise! And it is these thoughts that I am hanging onto as I practise many, many rounds of Sun Sequence to raise funds for Dru UK’s charitable activities.
At Dru Yoga North we have set ourselves the challenge of completing 108 full rounds of Surya Namaskar between now and September 23rd.
On September 23rd we are having an afternoon at Trinity and All Saints College in Leeds, for all those taking part in this challenge, to either finish their rounds or complete another 108 full rounds within the afternoon! In an odd move on my part, I agreed to the second challenge!
So, if you’d like to find out more about the event, taking part or sponsoring me, please do ask at class. Even if the 108 is too much for you, maybe you could do a couple of rounds yourself every day just to see what benefits you get. I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly your stamina improves. Let me know how you get on, and, of course I’ll report back on my attempt.
Well, I’ve got to go now, another 6 rounds to do before tea! Take care Ix