108 Sun Salutations Challenge

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Next POTENTIAL Challenge: June 21st 2022

Start time: TBC - Vote on my quick poll -> here <- 

Location: Easter Compton Hall

Book online: TBC (£5)

Even if you only have an hour to spare please come along and see how many sets you achieve in just one hour!

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I am planning that you can join me on June 21st to celebrate the changing of the seasons this Summer Solstice by saluting the sun 108 times! This depends both on student interest and hall availability. Please answer my quick poll to vote!

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Sun Salutations are a series of familiar poses from the beginning sequence of my Vinyasa sessions which when repeated multiple times is traditionally thought to be a great way to feel more connected, grounded, cleansed and energised from the heat you build internally through breath and movement. 

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Why & When?

Sun Salutations are one of the most familiar sequence of movements in modern postural yoga, especially from 20th century practices but there is historical evidence that suggests devoted practice from more than 7000 years ago although the practice probably looked quite different back then! In modern postural yoga we complete Sun Salutes to connect movement with breath to build up our internal 'fire' for practice. Traditionally Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation honours the sun our primary source of light. Surya Namaskar or Sun Salutation broken down is Sanskrit is Surya = Sun and Namaskar = to adore or to bow. 

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The 108 Sun Salutations practice can be practiced at any time but is traditionally practiced on the two equinoxes (Spring for re-birth & new beginnings, Autumn for grounding and going within) and two solstices (Summer for everything in bloom and Winter for new beginnings & fresh starts). In modern times you will find 108 salutations are also completed to celebrate special life events and occasions such as celebrating births, weddings or charity events etc.

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Why 108?

The number 108 is considered highly auspicious in many traditions, just Google it and you'll see! 

Scientific examples:

• The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.

• The average distance of the Sun and the Moon to Earth is 108 times their respective diameters.

• Mathematicians from the Vedic tradition came to view 108 as the number representing the wholeness of existence.

Fun examples:

• In the TV show Lost, the numbers from the fictional Valenzetti equation (4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42) had to be entered every 108 (the sum of the six numbers) minutes on a computer to prevent an unknown catastrophic event from occurring.

• There are 108 cards in a deck of UNO cards.

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How to do 108 Sun Salutations:

To complete the challenge we’ll practice mainly Sun A and divide the salutations into 9 sets of 12, each set with its own personal intention or dedication and we can take a rest between each set as desired. We can use modifications so not to not go full expression each time or you can go all the way if that is what your mind-body invites you to do once warmed up. Once we finish I'll guide you through a few down regulating poses before sinking into a long final rest.

• Focus

This practice is a moving meditation. Create an intention/dedication/focus for each set of 12, for example dedicating a set for good health to a loved one, setting intension to focus on a particular movement and its alignment such as high-low plank or jump/step-through or simply staying with conscious breath, connecting it with movement and holds.​

• Warm-up

Your first set should be like a warm up go steady. You may gradually increase your expression in the poses as you open up. We can take modifications if/as wanted and even add in extra poses such as Warrior I from Sun B.​

• Counting

Each student will be given a counting method such as peanuts, beads or buttons to keep count. If you have your own mala beads please feel welcome to bring along.​

• Rests / Pauses

Take a break! - If you are feeling dizzy, sit on your knees, keep your heart elevated and return to 4:4 Balanced Breathing to balance the nervous system. Re-join in once you are ready.​

• Stay hydrated

Take mini sips of water throughout.​

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Benefits of a 108 Sun Salutations challenge? To name a few I have personally felt they can help with...

• Focus

• Tenacity

• Commitment to practice

• Strength

• Connection and grounding

• Energy and alertness

• Confidence boosting

• Happiness and positivity​

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What can you do to prepare?

• Come to classes through June and prepare mind-body and build strength

• Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods

• Don’t eat a large meal within 3 hours of the event, keep to light snacks such as juicy high water content fruit!

• Practice a few daily Sun Salutations, your body will love this too!

• Breathe and enjoy!

Ready for a challenge?

>> Book Now (TBC)! <<