Summer Solstice is the day that many of us in the Nordic countries have been aching for since the turn of the year —the longest day of light!
As we step into the long-awaited summer days ahead, we gather to celebrate the sun and the joyful hope and prosperity that it awakens in all of us. For this celebration, we’ll move together through 108 Sun Salutations. This is a tradition that many people all over the globe gather together to celebrate a new season and to honor great change.
Within its steady fluidity, this class is considered to be a form of movement meditation; an invitation for one breath, one movement. Although the journey is an individual one, the sense of community and the supportive energy of simply witnessing our breaths and moving alongside each other is felt by everyone.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF “108”:
This number also connects the Sun, Moon, and Earth: The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to the Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.
108 is the number of names for Shiva (a Hindu god)
108 is the number of names for Buddha
108 is the Chinese number representing “man”
108 is the number of beads on a Tibetan Mala and a Catholic Rosary (both prayer beads)
108 is six times the number “18”, which is a Jewish good luck number.
108 is twelve times the number 9, which is the number of vinyasas in a Sun Salutation.
According to Chinese and Indian Martial Arts: Marma Adi and Ayurveda, there are 108 pressure points in the human body.
(the list goes on...)
CLASS FORMAT: THERE ARE FOUR ROUNDS
For this event, we will follow the Global Mala guidelines set forth by Shiva Rea. We will break up the 108 sun salutations into 4 groups of 27.
DEDICATION ONE: Dedications for Personal Transformation and Realization
DEDICATION TWO: Dedications to Family, Friends, and Precious Jewels (anyone you have unresolved conflict with).
DEDICATION THREE: Dedication for the World
DEDICATION FOUR: Dedication to the Source
WHO IS THIS CLASS FOR?
We will be working with Surya Namaskar A, which can be easily modified for all levels and all modifications will be shown and encouraged prior to class. However, this class is geared towards students who are looking for a challenge both physically and mentally.
BY THE END, YOU CAN FEEL...
Focused
Resilient
Grateful
Strong
Fluid
Clear Minded
Connected
CLOSING CLASS
As you begin to settle into a lengthy savasana you will be bathed in the sound of outdoor surroundings — the birds and the ocean. Here you will be invited to gently surrender and find stillness.
