| Do you look forward to practicing the Sun Salutation | | | | 6. What are the main physical benefits of practicing the |
| or do you just want to get it over and done with? | | | | Sun Salutation? |
| From the feedback I receive from my yoga students, it | | | | The main physical benefit is it brings flexibility to the |
| is clear that students either love doing the Sun | | | | body, particularly the spine. It also helps to regulate the |
| Salutation or they dread doing it! | | | | breathing, helps to distribute blood and energy to all the |
| Those who love it view it as an essential preparation | | | | organs, the circulation is stimulated. |
| for their yoga lesson, whilst those you dislike doing the | | | | 7. What are the other benefits? |
| Sun Salutation find it is too difficult and takes up too | | | | Spiritually, practicing the Sun Salutation re-aligns and |
| much time within the lesson. | | | | centres you core. It brings focus to the mind. |
| What camp are you in? | | | | Traditionally, each position is associated with a |
| Regardless of what camp you are in, beginners ask | | | | particular mantra. |
| me a lot of questions about the Sun Salutation. | | | | 8. How long is one round? |
| Here are 12 of the more popular questions asked. | | | | A full round of Sun Salutation is considered to be two |
| 1. What is the Sun Salutation? | | | | sets of the twelve poses, leading first with the right leg |
| The Sun Salutation is an ancient yoga practice that | | | | and then with the left leg. |
| draws energy and sunlight into the mind and body. It | | | | 9. How many rounds am I supposed to do at a time? |
| made up of twelve different movements or positions | | | | Traditionally, yogis practiced 12 rounds in honour of the |
| which form a graceful sequence. | | | | twelve names of the sun according to the monthly |
| 2. What part of the body does it stretch the most? | | | | sign of the zodiac. As a beginner, it is advised to |
| The Sun Salutation limbers up the whole body and | | | | practice 3 - 5 rounds until you feel comfortable. |
| mind. Each of the twelve positions stretch the spine in | | | | 10. Does it matter which way I face to do the Sun |
| different ways, thus giving movement to the whole | | | | Salutation? |
| spinal column and greater flexibility to the limbs. | | | | Traditionally, the Sun Salutation is always practiced |
| 3. Why is it always practiced at the beginning of a | | | | facing in the direction of the rising or setting sun. |
| yoga session? | | | | 11. I'm too stiff/use a wheel chair; can I still do the Sun |
| The Sun Salutation helps to limber up the body which | | | | Salutation? |
| makes it easier for you to do the rest of your session. | | | | Yes you can. Ask your Yoga Teacher to show you |
| It also helps to focus your mind for the session ahead. | | | | how to do the seated Sun Salutation. Alternatively, |
| 4. How quickly, fast am I supposed to do the Sun | | | | check out Nischala Joy Devi in "The Healing Path of |
| Salutation? | | | | Yoga", Three Rivers Press, 2000. Nischala offers a |
| Generally speaking, the Sun Salutation is performed | | | | very good Sun Salutation seated version and standing |
| gracefully and in time with the movement of the flow | | | | version with a chair. |
| of your breath. It is designed to be a smooth, fluid | | | | 12. Can I practice the Sun Salutation at home by |
| sequence which harmonises the mind and body. The | | | | myself? |
| main thing is to be aware and connected with your | | | | Definitely. Once you feel confident and comfortable |
| breath. | | | | with the sequence daily practice of the Sun Salutation |
| 5. Why is it called the Sun Salutation? | | | | provides you with an excellent way to promote sound |
| The correct Sanskrit name for the Sun Salutation is | | | | health and a strong body. |
| Surya Namaskar, which means Salute to the Sun. Its | | | | So, there you have it. 12 of the most popular questions |
| origins lie in a worship of Surya, the Hindu solar deity. In | | | | I am asked by yoga beginners about the Sun |
| ancient times, the sun was considered to be deity for | | | | Salutation. I am sure; as you start to include and enjoy |
| health and long life. Traditionally, you would practice the | | | | the Sun Salutation you will have your own questions. |
| Sun Salutation, as a dance to the sun, at dawn break | | | | If they have not been covered, please drop me a line |
| as part of your spiritual practice. In honouring the sun, | | | | with your query and I'll do my best to answer it. |
| you would bring sunlight and energy into your body. | | | | Namaste. |