The Winter Solice, the longest day of darkness and the changing of the season. It symbolizes death and rebirth, new beginning and fresh start. To celebrate the longer, more light-filled days to come, I invite you to practice 108 Sun Salutations to mark the changing seasons. 

Sun Saluations in Sanskrit Surya Namaskar that translate Surya (sun) and Namaskar (to bow to). It is a series of postures that warms, strengthens, and aligns the entire body connecting your breath.  While mentally and physically challenging, it can be a personal and transformative experience to your practice. 

So Why 108?

The number 108 is sacred and significant in many ways, appearing in many disciplines from astronomy to yoga:

• The number 108 appears in ancient, sacred texts. For example, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 Tantras
• In numerology, 108 equals 9, which symbolizes universal love, eternity and awakening
• In Ayurveda, there are 108 sacred points on the body
• In astronomy, the distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter
• Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads, which are used to count during meditation

We will be breaking up the practice into 12 sets of 9 salutations each. 

6 Sets of Sun Salutations A x 9

6 Sets of Sun Salutations B x 9 

Begin each set of 9 Sun Salutations in Tadasana (Mountain Pose) at the top of your mat. Set an intention for your practice, listen to the intention and focus on the words during your set. An intention acts as a reminder throughout your yoga practice when your mind wanders or becomes distracted. Intentions can be focusing on your breath, reflecting on what you are grateful for or repeating a specific mantra.

Tips to Practice 108 Sun Salutations

- Drink lots of water a day before the practice. 

- Listen to your body and modify poses as needed. As an example, bring one or both knees to the mat for Chaturanga. Try Baby Cobra instead of Upward Facing Dog. 

- If you need to take a break, take one! 

- Hold on to your intention or mantra.

- Remember to continue your deep, conscious breathing. 

Remember – the goal is 108, but always listen to your body. Whether you finish 34, 93 or 108 repetitions, it is the intent that counts. Make yoga a heart-centered practice, not an ego-based practice.   

When you have completed the last set of 9 Sun Salutations, we take a few minutes to clear our mind in savasana. Let the feeling of the practice be present in you but give yourself a few minutes to be silent and still.

Namaste