108 Sun Salutations

The winter solstice marked the shortest day of the year yesterday, and today is the first day with light gradually getting longer. On this very foggy, rainy day, I went out for my run. Often on my runs, I get these crazy ideas, and today I thought why not welcome the light back into our lives by completing 108 sun salutations? I had heard of this practice before, and after doing some research have found many interesting ties to the number 108. If you are going to complete this practice at home, there are some very important things to have ready. They are as follows: One: Water, duh. Two: A clean and clutter free space to practice (I want to thank my dear teacher Sarah Sturges for this one) less clutter, equals less mind clutter. Three: Soothing instrumental jams (music although, is always optional) Four: An open mind, determination, and sticking to your intention. Beginning my practice I was pumped, ready to do this, and had so carefully plotted out in my head how I was going to do Surya Namaskar As for the first 25, then Surya Namaskar Bs for the next 50, and you get the point. Surya Namaskar means Sun Salutation, and there are variations A, B, and C. What I discovered in my practice that I continue to learn over and over, is that I had to let go of whatever expectations I had. We have to forget ideas we have about how something should be carried out and just experience things for what they are. Which in this case was a marathon of a yoga practice, by Surya Namaskar B # 42 I finally let go. What I discovered after this letting go, was how much of a creature of habit I was. Always stepping into plank with the same foot, and stepping forward with the same foot. For the next 68 rounds, I tried so very hard to stop stepping back into plank with my right foot and stepping forward with my left. By the final 8, with eyes closed and more open awareness I was able to complete my practice alternating stepping back with right, stepping forward with left, stepping back with left, stepping forward with right. On my final few sun salutations, I didn’t want it to end. So with that thought in my head I took the opportunity to savor every moment of this last commitment to movement---and at the commencement of 108 sun salutations, I had a yogic high that I hadn’t experienced in a long time, in addition to a very increased awareness to my arms. Would I do it again? Absolutely. If you would like to join me in doing so, in closing I have a few suggestions. Don’t stop breathing Listen to your body not your ego Drink plenty of water, during, and after, and to celebrate even more, cook a nourishing meal. My home-made enchiladas were just what I needed.