(downloadable PDF inserted at end of post)
If you're looking for a simple, relaxing, and invigorating way to start your day, may I suggest that you consider practicing Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation. It is a special sequence of yoga postures led by the breath (movement to breath connection) that incorporates a combination of mental and physical benefits. Surya Namaskar sequence is often referred to as the traditional Sun Salutation. The combination of asanas (poses/postures) is a stimulating and rejuvenating sequence for every system of the body, relaxing and calming the overworked mind. Engaging in a 3-5 rounds of the Sun Salutation Sequence is the perfect way to begin your day as you are literally “saluting the rising of the sun”.
Also, for people with limited time, as if often the case in a hurried morning, the Sun Salutation is an expansive overall workout, as it is a sequence of 12 powerful yoga poses that incorporate and engage all muscles of the body. The Sun Salutation is said to have profound benefits that have been written about for thousands of years. I am sure there is plenty of information on Google if you are interested in reading up on the scientific and medical research that has been conducted over the years.
Physical benefits of engaging in Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
-stimulates the metabolism and the digestive, respiratory, circulatory and reproductive systems.
-provides a good cardiovascular workout
-stretches every part of the body, lubricates and strengthens joints and muscles
-the sequence takes your spine through almost every possible range of motion
-when integrated with rhythmic breath (connecting breath to movement- think of inhaling as you rise or lengthen, and exhale as you fold forward or release toward the earth), the sequence is known to increase blood flow to the brain, relax the central nervous system, slow down the overthinking mind, and bring mental clarity.
Significance of the Sun to the Sequence
Nothing is more important to life on Earth than the sun. We have all learned the importance of the sun through our years of education. And I think we can all agree that there is something about the warm, bright, sunlight that leads to us having “more pep in our step". Countless research supports that the sun affects our mood and emotional well being. Without the sun's heat and light, the Earth would be lifeless. The sun warms the bodies of water and gives the light and warmth that is needed for the flourishing vegetation to thrive. The sun feeds us, both physically and mentally. Due to the sun and our day and night cycles that rely on the rising and setting of the sun, we go into natural cycles of activity and rest. Which are both imperative to our physical and mental well being. Besides good health, the practice of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) provides an opportunity to express our gratitude towards God and His gift of the sun that sustains our life on the Earth. As you flow through your Sun Salutations, be mindful of the reliance you have on the sun for your life and of the connection the sun provides between you and the rest of the universe. For it is highly likely that as you flow through your Sun Salutes, millions across the world are engaging in the practice with you.
(see PDF for visual of sequence)