DIY: Rise and Grind With a Sun Salutation
If you're like me,
you create until the sun pops through your curtains and then wake up each morning like this.
Life can get tricky at times, which is why Sun and Moon Salutations are an imperative part of my peace process.
What is a SUN SALUTATION?
A Sun Salutation is a sequence of yoga poses strung together in a consistent movement.
In Sanskrit, Sun Salutations were traditionally used to usher in the new day, often referred to as “Surya Namaskar”. They are an easy, quick and necessary way to jump start your body and spirit, while strengthening it at the same damn time.
DIY: Sun Salutation
- Stand facing the direction of the sun with both feet touching. Bring your hands together in the prayer position, positioned right in front of your heart. Inhale and raise yours arms up high.
- Bend backwards slowly, stretching your arms with your palms facing up.
- As you begin to exhale, slowly bend forward until your head touches your knees and yours hands are in line with your feet. Pause for a moment and get grounded, then thank God.
At this point, I like to set a focus word for the day.
Start your day with intention.
- Take a long inhale and step backward with your right foot. Make sure to keep your hands and feet planted firmly on the ground (stay grounded, my G),m. You should now be in a lunge.
- Lift your head and begin to exhale as you transition to the push-up position, then lower yourself gently on the ground flat. Don't forget your focus word!
- Inhale as you straighten your arms and lift your chest - while slowly bending backward, like a seal. Imagine you have a string at the top of your head like a puppet, pulling you up.
- Bring your hips and butt up to create an inverted V, remembering to keep your hands and feet planted firmly on the ground. Take a moment to be mindful.
- Step back into a lunge with the left leg and begin to repeat the process.
When you have cycled through, inhale and raise your arms in praise.