Almost every day for the last three years, with very few breaks and interruptions, I’ve begun my day with just twelve sun salutations, usually rotating between variations A, B, and C. It’s one little ritual that has a big impact on my body and breath for the rest of the day. Both as a practitioner and as a teacher, this routine is a great reminder that not everything has to be new, innovative, or even creative to be effective - that there is beauty in repetition, discipline, and re-discovery.
This morning, I invite you to practice with me if you like. No fluff or filler here - just some straightforward movements from the front to the back of the mat and back again. One version goes something like this:
Mountain Pose
Upward Salute
Forward Fold
Halfway Lift
Plank
Knees/Chest/Chin to mat, or Chatturanga
Upward Facing Dog/Cobra
Downward Facing Dog
Forward Fold
Halfway Lift
Upward Salute
Mountain
One of my teachers once mentioned that this is really just a lot like a slow motion burpee, and that makes me giggle every time I practice. Everything old is eventually new again! Just like the cycle of Surya Namaskar itself.
Below: audio version of this post + sun salutation video
Post audio:
Sun salutations: