Sun Salutations To Welcome The Winter Solstice

Ah, the winter solstice. The darkest day of the year, and an introduction to the cold winter season ahead. Yet somehow, the winter solstice is also the start of the days getting longer, imbuing more sunlight and warmth into our lives. It is this balance of steeping in darkness yet welcoming the light that we embrace with the turning of the seasons on December 21.

In the ancient yogic tradition, 108 sun salutations are practiced with the changing of the seasons, symbolically marking the transition from light to darkness and the growth of the self. Why 108? 108 is an important number in the ancient yogic and Hindu traditions, because it contains three powerful numbers. One reflects the one-ness and interconnectivity of everything, zero evokes nothingness and darkness, and eight refers to infinity, and the infinite nature of the universe and the self. The union of these three concepts can fully describe the entirety of existence. For this reason, the number 108 occurs in many ancient sacred texts such as the Upanishads, and over time has been incorporated into many spiritual and traditional practices.

The repetition of the sun salutation 108 times constitutes a moving meditation unlike any other. You will find that the repetitive rhythm of this practice facilitates a deep dive into the powerful, unwavering connection between mind, body, and breath. Many who practice 108 sun salutations find this practice to be cleansing, uplifting, and incredibly rewarding, and I know I do too.

Join me on the winter solstice, December 21 2019, from 12-2pm as we journey through 108 sun salutations together. We will build heat in our bodies on this darkest day of the year, with an energetic practice that can be modified to meet any skill level. I look forward to sharing this moving meditation with you, as we salute the cycles of growth with the seasons, and unearth the light within each of us.