108 Sun Salutes or Surya Namaskar Practice Why do we do them? The sun is a source of life to all creation, and Surya (the sun) is considered to be a visible form of God we can see every day. Sunrise is thought of as the “eye of God” coming to look upon His [...]
]]>108 Sun Salutes or Surya Namaskar Practice
Why do we do them?
The sun is a source of life to all creation, and Surya (the sun) is considered to be a visible form of God we can see every day. Sunrise is thought of as the “eye of God” coming to look upon His people. The sun is thought to be the physical and spiritual heart of our external and internal world. One of the means of honoring the sun is through a dynamic sequence of flowing poses linked together through the breath. It is literally “prayer in motion.” The sun salutes bring more and more prana (life force) into the body system binding the breath to the movement. Surya Namaskar shows us how to use the body as an instrument or vehicle for higher awareness to receive knowledge and ultimately wisdom.
On a physical level sun salutes tone and strengthen the entire body, they keep the spine flexible, the heart becomes stronger, fat and toxins burn away, the body is cleansed and restored. The internal organs are flushed, the lungs expand, and the skin and eyes become clearer; a sense of well-being is attained as the mind becomes calmer. It is said that sun salutes contain the entire practice within it.
95-97% of muscles are active and used in sun salutes.
Significance of the sun salutes in number:
There are 108 lines of energy converging to form the heart chakra.
1, 0, 8, 1 stands for God or Truth, 0 stands for completeness or emptiness for spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.
There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet; each has a masculine and feminine aspect (Shiva and Shakti) 54 x 2 = 108
There are 108 Pithas or sacred sites throughout India.
There are 108 Upanishads, and 108 marma or sacred places in the human body.
The average distance between the sun and the moon to the earth is 108 x their respective diameters.
There are 108 beads on a mala (used for meditation and prayer.)
Symbolically we practice sun salutes to:
Give respect to ourselves, (our inner and outer self) acknowledge nature or our world around us (relationships), and finally to honor the Higher power, the Divine, or God. We surrender with humility and aim for non-attachment releasing the belief that we “need” this or that to be happy. We prepare for the change of seasons ahead (the spring equinox or the cold months.) Symbolically, we light our torch through the breath; in silence we find awareness, intention, and compassion.
Prepare:
Don’t eat for 2-3 hours before, hydrate properly before the practice, eat a sufficient amount of healthy proteins and balance your electrolytes. Come to the 108 healthy and free of expectations.
]]>It’s September and that means the summer sun has set. No more BBQ’s or beach trips, it’s time to celebrate a new season AND a new month… YOGA MONTH! That’s right, September marks the official start of National Yoga Month and as yogis, it’s our job to spread the good word! Yoga is gaining strength [...]
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It’s September and that means the summer sun has set. No more BBQ’s or beach trips, it’s time to celebrate a new season AND a new month… YOGA MONTH! That’s right, September marks the official start of National Yoga Month and as yogis, it’s our job to spread the good word!
Yoga is gaining strength in the United States, especially with younger generations. The health benefits are recognized even in western medicine, but awareness alone isn’t enough. We, as practitioners of HBHY, need to educate our respective communities about yoga as a way of life. So grab a friend, a coworker or a fellow yogi and come join the jubilation!
Follow this link for details about events and other ways to contribute.
Namaste!
]]>With summer upon us, visions of bathing suit shopping stop some of us short… But we yogis have an obligation to ourselves, and our community, to turn the focus from body image to self-awareness. The practice of yoga sets us apart from other exercises performed with a singular goal in mind: to shape one’s body [...]
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With summer upon us, visions of bathing suit shopping stop some of us short… But we yogis have an obligation to ourselves, and our community, to turn the focus from body image to self-awareness.
The practice of yoga sets us apart from other exercises performed with a singular goal in mind: to shape one’s body into an unrealistic or idealistic figure. The purpose of yoga, inherent in the term practice, is to embrace your body, limitations and all. As we deepen our understanding of yoga, which by definition means “union” we learn to accept ourselves and others for WHO we are rather than WHAT we look like.
Inspired by Allison Horack in the June newsletter and an extremely insightful article in this month’s LA Yoga, here are some tips to shift your mentality from how you look to how you feel:
- Change your focus – rather than constantly trying to “lose weight” concentrate on “being healthy.”
- Love yourself – look in the mirror and recite 5 things you love about yourself daily.
- Portion control – the American diet is grossly oversized. Cut your normal meals in half and put the leftovers to good use.
- Drink water – the minimum is 8 glasses a day; 2 at each meal plus 1 upon waking and 1 at bedtime.
- Move – park far away when running errands or better yet, ride your bike. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, etc. Every step counts!
- Meditate – the benefits are endless.
No ‘body’ is perfect, but the gift of yoga gives us a strong mind/body connection. The sooner you begin to recognize it, the sooner you will notice just how perfectly acceptable your body is, as it is;-)
]]>Here in Australia, everything is upside down. Summer is winter, the toilets flush counterclockwise and don’t even get me started on the driving (right side of the car, left side of the road…) But one thing remains the same, and that constant is hot yoga. I’ve had the opportunity and privilege, while vacationing in Melbourne, [...]
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Here in Australia, everything is upside down. Summer is winter, the toilets flush counterclockwise and don’t even get me started on the driving (right side of the car, left side of the road…) But one thing remains the same, and that constant is hot yoga.
I’ve had the opportunity and privilege, while vacationing in Melbourne, to practice at Bikram Fitzroy. The studio is welcoming and the staff is warm (no pun intended;-) The highlight of my experience was watching Sara Wells, who will be representing Australia at the International Yoga Asana Championship in LA June 18th – 19th, perform her routine for our class. It was positively inspirational! The grace and ability Sara portrayed is a true testament to the power of our practice. Oftentimes we are so consumed with the minutiae of everyday life; we take for granted the 90 minute, open-eyed meditation which defines this style of yoga. Watching Sara today reminded me how important dedication to your yoga practice (not yoga perfect) is… Another bit of inspiration I acquired from Bikram Fitzroy;-)
But as much fun as I had visiting another country, as well as another studio, it reminded me – there’s no place like home! Huntington Beach Hot Yoga isn’t just another yoga studio – it’s a community! And it’s not like any other studio I know! Now I see what a difference the music makes; when you don’t have it in the background, you definitely miss it! I also enjoy the sun salutations as a warm up before diving into the first posture, and the slight variation of the series makes it more manageable and enjoyable.
I will never forget my journey to the land down under, but I am happy to be back where I belong… Where everybody knows my name:-)
]]>Namaste is a word commonly used in yoga, typically at the end of class. But what does it mean exactly and why do we use it? Simply put, Namaste is a greeting or salutation; however, the translations and implications of the gesture are much deeper and more significant. Furthermore, the whole action unfolds itself at [...]
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Namaste is a word commonly used in yoga, typically at the end of class. But what does it mean exactly and why do we use it?
Simply put, Namaste is a greeting or salutation; however, the translations and implications of the gesture are much deeper and more significant. Furthermore, the whole action unfolds itself at three levels: verbal, physical, and mental.
By definition, Namaste NUHM-uh-stey, noun: 1. A conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom. 2. A conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, frequently a part of yoga practice.
In Sanskrit, namaḥ, means “to bow, to give obeisance or reverential salutation” and te, “to you.” Other translations are ‘The God in me greets the God in you’ or ‘The Spirit in me meets the same Spirit in you.’ In other words, it pays honor to the sacredness and recognizes the equality of all.
Bringing both palms together, before the heart, and lightly bowing the head accomplish the physical expression while the mental portion is complete submission into meditation. Instructors also use it as a means to close the class peacefully, thanking you for your participation and recognizing that we are all one.
Go ahead; use it in a sentence today☺
]]>A 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide – Part 4: Muscle Soreness |
The final chapter in our 4-part survival guide is what you’re probably icing right now… Sore muscles!! This was something I didn’t realize yoga could even perpetuate until the challenge. Nevertheless, it happens… And knowing how to properly prepare for and relieve muscle pain is tantamount to finishing. Here’s your RX: L-Glutamine – these pills [...]
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The final chapter in our 4-part survival guide is what you’re probably icing right now… Sore muscles!! This was something I didn’t realize yoga could even perpetuate until the challenge. Nevertheless, it happens… And knowing how to properly prepare for and relieve muscle pain is tantamount to finishing.
Here’s your RX:
- L-Glutamine – these pills are said to rebuild torn muscle tissue.
- Epsom salt baths – soak in one of these nightly to reduce pain.
- Massages – if you can afford them, this is one of the best ways to relax (if you can’t, ask a friend or significant other to volunteer
) - Ibuprofen (as opposed to acetaphetamine) – reduces inflammation and swelling.
- Walking – much of the pain you’re experiencing is due to a buildup of lactic acid in the muscles. It may seem counter-intuitive but by taking a walk, you’re helping to disperse it.
- Rest – getting a good night sleep and resting your muscles is a must. So be sure to get your ZZZ’s!
This concludes our 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide. I hope it’s been helpful to our Challengers and inspirational to those contemplating one in the future. Please take the opportunity, in our comment section, to report back on what worked for you!!
***Our tips are based on past experience and are suggestions ONLY; however, if you feel severe muscle pain or are taking prescription medications, please consult a physician.
]]>A 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide – Part 3: Nutrition |
When it comes to proper nutrition during a 30-Day Challenge, there are no set rules. This advice is purely based on what worked for me (keep in mind, third time was a charm;-) I was RAVENOUS through the course of my first two challenges and I found, by following the guidelines below, I was able [...]
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When it comes to proper nutrition during a 30-Day Challenge, there are no set rules. This advice is purely based on what worked for me (keep in mind, third time was a charm;-)
I was RAVENOUS through the course of my first two challenges and I found, by following the guidelines below, I was able to stave off hunger while feeling energized in my practice. However, dietary needs vary for everyone and my diet isn’t restricted by gluten, meat or dairy. So please, modify to suit yourself:
- 6 Daily Meals – (think 3 small meals and 3 big snacks…) eating small meals throughout the day helps to stabilize blood sugar, especially since we recommend not eating 2 hours before class.
- High Fiber – another thing that helped keep me satiated was high fiber foods and, of course, TONS of H2O.
- Lean Protein – (such as chicken and fish) maintain muscle mass and help you feel fuller, longer.
- Carbohydrates – despite their bad rap, this is your body’s energy source. Just limit your intake to complex, rather than simple, carbohydrates.
Bon Appétit!
]]>A 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide – Part 2: Hydration |
When it comes to hot yoga, proper hydration is of the utmost importance. In a 30-Day Challenge, it’s critical!! And just drinking water isn’t going to cut it… That said, you should CERTAINLY drink water and plenty of it… (In fact, I like to jazz mine up with slices of lemon or cucumber to keep [...]
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When it comes to hot yoga, proper hydration is of the utmost importance. In a 30-Day Challenge, it’s critical!! And just drinking water isn’t going to cut it… That said, you should CERTAINLY drink water and plenty of it… (In fact, I like to jazz mine up with slices of lemon or cucumber to keep things interesting) but let’s talk about ways to make your water work for you!
- Electrolytes – pre-enhanced or sold separately, electrolytes can make all the difference in your water! I like Ultima (orange flavor;-) or Heed.
- Coconut water – this natural electrolyte replacement is sold at the studio for your convenience. I can’t get enough!!
- Sports drinks – use these sparingly as the sugar and caloric content can sometimes override any electrolyte benefits they offer. One option is to water down a Gatorade and drink it throughout the day.
- Diuretics – dehydrating beverages such as coffee, alcohol and soda can displace the body’s water reserves. Try cutting back or cutting them out altogether for 30 days.
- Fruits & veggies – we’ll address this more closely in Part 3: Nutrition, but until then, fruits and veggies are an excellent way to stay hydrated!
These are just a few suggestions to help you hydrate – so find what works for you and drink it!
Bottom’s up☺
]]>A 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide – Part 1: Scheduling |
Finding time in your busy schedule for one class every day is the REAL 30-Day Challenge! That’s why I found it helpful to actually plan it ahead of time. Take an hour, sit down with a calendar, and pencil in all the classes that fit between work, meetings and bingo nights. If several classes fit in a day, jot them all down [...]
]]>Finding time in your busy schedule for one class every day is the REAL 30-Day Challenge! That’s why I found it helpful 
to actually plan it ahead of time. Take an hour, sit down with a calendar, and pencil in all the classes that fit between work, meetings and bingo nights. If several classes fit in a day, jot them all down to ensure you won’t miss one. By putting it in writing, you’re committing it to memory and setting yourself up for success. This way (even in the unlikely event your dog DOES eat your homework;-) you’ll have no excuses!
Other scheduling tips:
- Take classes earlier in the day (if possible) – this isn’t an option for everyone, but if you have the choice between, say a 6 AM and an 8:30 PM, try the earlier class so you’ll be more motivated (and less tired from the day.)
- Take a friend – or make friends with other challengers! I found it extremely helpful to have extra motivation from another yogi (and it’s also just more fun;-)
- Take it day by day – rather than counting it down, relish the positive effects of a daily practice.
- Make your own challenge – have you always wanted to master (or just attempt) toe stand? Challenge yourself by setting mini-goals each day (with just rewards when you reach them;-)
Remember, if you’re traveling or have to make up a class – knowing your schedule ahead of time will allow for more flexibility as well. Stay tuned for Part 2: Hydration.
]]>A 30-Day Challenge Survival Guide |
Have you ever contemplated a 30-Day Challenge, and then found any (and every) excuse in the book not to do it? If you answered yes, you’re not alone (take it from a gal who’s tried 3 times and just completed her first this past January;-) But what I learned, through all my attempts, were the [...]
]]>Have you ever contemplated a 30-Day Challenge, and then found any (and every) excuse in the book not to do it? If you answered yes, you’re not alone (take it from a gal who’s tried 3 times and just
completed her first this past January;-) But what I learned, through all my attempts, were the things that worked (and those that didn’t) which I’ve compiled into this 4-part Survival Guide:
- Scheduling
- Hydration
- Nutrition
- Muscle Soreness
We’ll address each section over the next several days as we gear up for April 25th. Until then, I’m here to tell you, you CAN do it and you SHOULD try it! Young or young at heart, novice or pro – the 30-Day Challenge IS manageable and maybe one of the most meaningful commitments you’ll make! First, however, let’s address what it is and some FAQ’s to get you started on the right foot.
A 30-Day Challenge is exactly what it sounds like, 30 Days – in a row – of hot yoga. The goal is to renew your practice and experience the life-changing benefits therein. For a more complete list of rules and testimonials from past Challengers, please visit 30-Day Challenge or link from our homepage.
Other FAQ’s:
Q: How do I sign up?
A: Just pencil yourself down on our roster at the front desk through April 25, 2011.
Q: How will you know if I’ve done all 30 days?
A: Your visit history is tracked each time you check in with the front desk; however, you are still encouraged to track your own progress.
Q: What happens if I miss a day?
A: You are permitted (but not encouraged) to double up, when absolutely necessary.
Q: What if I will be out of town?
A: When traveling, practice at another hot yoga studio is allowed.
Q: Does Hot Power Flow count?
A: Both the Hot Power Flow and Dayton Method classes are acceptable.
Q: What do I get out of it?
A: The personal rewards are infinite… And a small token of our congratulations☺
Are you up for the challenge?
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