As the home improvement project closest to my heart has finally come to fruition- the installation of our solar panels- I have been reflecting on the symbolism as well as the physical benefits of the Sun Salutation. The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar) is likely one of the most familiar of all asana sequences.  In many cultures light has long symbolized the illumination of the self or consciousness.  Add to that the fact that here on Earth our primary source of light is our closest star, the sun, and you can start to fathom the origins of the Sun Salutation in the practice of yoga.

Although there is some disagreement over when the Sun Salutation became part of the practice of yoga, over 20 (and most likely more!) variations of this sequence are recognized and practiced regularly.  The practice of Surya Namaskar goes well beyond the strengthening and lengthening of our bodies.  Each time we move through this sequence of postures we are essentially recognizing, with humility, the light within ourselves.  Do you have a favorite variation of this powerful sequence?  Share it with me this Friday at Towson Yoga Works at my community hot yoga class from 2-3pm!

You’ve probably heard of Downward- Facing Dog but have you heard of turbo dog?  Created by the well known yoga teacher Ana Forrest, turbo dog helps to build the upper body strength which will allow us to keep our bodies in healthy alignment.  This posture powerfully counteracts poor posture encouraged by our current computer-centric lifestyles. It also encourages the strength required to keep our hearts open as we move through our lives. Interested? Meet me on the mat this Friday at Towson Yoga Works from 2-3pm.

This weekend I was inadvertently practicing Ardha Utkatasana, a variation of chair pose, while playing with my two favorite 3 year olds and it inspired me to focus on leg strength for this week’s classes.  Strong, toned legs are a great accessory for spring and summer wardrobes but infinitely more important, our awesome legs allow us to play tug-of-war in the backyard, skip, dance and move through our world each and everyday.  This week let’s send these incredible limbs some gratitude by giving them the attention they deserve!  I’ll see you on Friday from 2-3pm at Towson Yoga Works!