Sun Salutation into Summer with Our Solstice Celebration

The Summer Solstice marks the longest and brightest day of the year. These natural and cosmic cycles of the sun and moon remind us that we belong to this vast and mysterious universe, and that we are alive and in this together. In honor of the Solstice and International Day of Yoga on June 21st, we’ve designed a season of inspiring practices to celebrate and give thanks, yogi-style.Join Yoga Anytime teachers Kira Ryder, Alana Mitnick, Brenda Lear, and Julia Berkeley for a sequence of special practices that will ignite the fiery energies of Surya (the Sun) and balance the cooling, nourishing energies of Chandra (the Moon). In the spirit of community (and for fun), one way to participate is by finding 3 yogi friends to collectively reach 108 Sun Salutations, another might be to explore all the Sun Salutation variations yourself.Kira, Alana, Brenda, and Julia have collaborated to create four unique practices of 27 Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations). Together, these four sequences add up to 108 repetitions, which has long been considered a sacred number in the yogic tradition, although the exact reason is still mysterious to many yoga scholars. Julia invites us to set our intentions with an invocation of the Gayatri mantra. Balance your sun salutations with a cooling restorative practice guided by Alana, and slip into a blissful Savasana with Julia, closing your practice with a guided meditation.We invite you to choose from any of these practices that best meet your pace, level, mood, and desire:27 Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) in a Chair with Kira, Level 1With the support of a chair, Kira shares a subtle and delightful practice designed for those of us who might be challenged by movement. We invite our imaginal realm to blossom, exploring the power of our mind, breath, and miraculous body. 27 Surya Namaskar C (Lunar Salutations) with Julia, Level 1/2Julia shares an energizing and nourishing flow to awaken our inner radiance.27 Surya Namaskar A, B, C with Alana, Level 2Alana shares three sets of 9 rounds of sun salutations. This energizing a steady flow promotes strength, fluidity, and compassion. 27 Surya Namaskar A, B, and “B Play” with Brenda, Level 2/3Brenda shares three sets of 9 rounds of sun salutations. This invigorating and spicy practice is designed to turn up the heat and inspire a flow of grace and gratitude. Cooling Restorative Practice with Alana, All LevelsAlana shares one of her favorite restorative poses to invite the cooling and nourishing waters into our hearts and minds. You will need a chair or a wall. A bolster or blanket will come in handy, too. Gayatri Mantra, Savasana Lullaby, and Meditation with Julia, All LevelsJulia shares three practices to align our energy with the sun and awaken our divine light. We chant 9 rounds of the Gayatri mantra, one of the oldest invocations to the sun. In the Savasana Lullaby, we are guided into sweet surrender and relaxation. Finally, Julia guides us in a meditation to awaken our inner radiance and feel clear and balanced. On behalf of Yoga Anytime, we are so delighted to be celebrating together. Participation in each episode of the solstice season will earn you a special Sun and Moon Summer Solstice badge for participating.The practices will be published on Sunday, June 21st as part of The Sun & Moon Show.Join our Summer Solstice Facebook event here.