Every morning we are born again, what we do today is what matters most.
Greeting the sun is perhaps the first thing we learn when we approach the world of Yoga. But … Why greet the Sun?
What is the meaning of Surya Namaskar?
Surya Namaskar (From the Sanskrit Surya: Sun, Namaskar: Greeting), It is a sequence of asanas (postures) that are performed in synchronization with the breath.
For many centuries in mystical India, where yoga originates, they have the custom of worshiping the demigod Surya , as that personality that gives material light and spiritual clarity, makes life on earth possible, which is why many ancient cultures venerate him. It is also a symbol of immortality, since it dies at night to be born the next day, also representing the light of knowledge.
Each position represents a phase of the sun and the rhythms of the human being during the day, and although with the passage of time it has been transformed and adjusted to the needs of each practitioner, the sun greetings are based on five essential aspects:
Benefits of practicing Surya Namaskar daily
1 – The physical postures:
This is done in order to work on stretching and physical exercise that the body needs so much to stay healthy and strong during the day.
2 – Breathing:
Breathing is fundamental and natural in human survival, but it is rarely done properly. Good breathing helps to keep calm and thus be able to understand and learn to
live in the present moment and all that this implies.
3 – Presence:
In the modern life that is fast and full of desires, it is necessary to learn to be in the now with firmness and determination, learning that only when you have the
ability to be in the present moment is it easier to understand and face everything that comes .
4 – Mantras:
They allow the spiritual connection with the soul, which in essence is what the human being seeks, meditation through the vibrations produced by mantras help to
connect with divinity, in order to find balance, happiness and inner peace that finally it is the fundamental basis of Yoga.
5 – Relaxation:
Finally, relaxation is essential in this practice, especially when each day goes so fast, it seeks to stop and be in the present moment to be able to recognize and
assume what we are, that we want it to continue and that it should definitely leave our life.
On a physical level practicing the salutation to the sun daily and for at least 15 minutes helps you:
Revitalize the body
Stretch your muscles
Massaging the internal organs of the body helping to improve their functioning
Also activate the circulatory and respiratory system
Relax the body and activate it for the day.
In general, the practice of yoga has multiple benefits even from the first practice.