2. ORIGINS OF YOGAS SUN SALUTATION The Sun Salutation, known in
Sanskrit as surya namaskara. There are 17+versions and is still
practiced today as a morning ritual by many Hindu. Because Sun
Salutations, according to yogis, is not just an exercise, itshould
be performed in a way that pays homage to the sun, not just for
itsphysical benefits. Traditionally people practicing Sun
Salutations face the sun while makingthis gesture of praise and
thanks. It is also common for people to practice Sun Salutations at
night, longafter the sun has gone down. From a traditional yogis
perspective this canbe done with an awareness and deep feeling of
reverence for the sun. Sun Salutations are best performed in the
morning in direct sunlight withas much of the body exposed to the
sun as possible, yes even naked whereappropriate.Information on
this slide from: theyogatutor.com 3. BENEFITS OF THE SUN SALUTATION
Standing poses ground you to the earth, build body awareness and
help youfind your center. Forward bend and halfway lift elongate
your spine, stretch your hamstringsand cleanse your digestive
system. Plank and four-limb staff poses engage the muscles in
yourarms, shoulders, chest and abdomen. Upward-facing dog stretches
your upper body as it opens your chest and freesyour breathing.
Downward-facing dog works muscles in your entire body and calms
yournervous system. Sun Salutations are portable. You can practice
them at home, in the park, atthe beach, in your hotel room, or at
your local fitness or rec center. Benefits derived from
LIVESTRONG.COM1
1http://www.livestrong.com/article/413323-what-are-the-benefits-of-the-sun-salutation-in-yoga/
4. MOUNTAINThe following images are from realage.com 5. FORWARD
BEND & LUNGE STEP 6. PLANK & PUSH-UP 7. UPWARD &
DOWNWARD DOG 8. FORWARD LUNGE & FORWARD BEND 9. ARMS UP &
MOUNTAIN 10. SUN SALUTATION IN ACTION
