Summer Solstice Salutations: Yoga for the Longest Day of the Year

Summer Solstice Salutations: Yoga for the Longest Day of the Year

The summer solstice is a natural turning point, a moment to embrace the vibrant energy of summer and all the joy it brings. And what better way to connect with this vibrant energy than through a yoga practice that honors the sun itself? In this blog post, “Summer Solstice Salutations: Yoga for the Longest Day of the Year,” we’ll walk you through sun salutations so you can enjoy the longest day of the day.

Sun Salutations: A Connection to the Light

Sun salutations, or Surya Namaskar in Sanskrit, are a foundational yoga sequence designed to awaken the body and mind. Each flowing movement mimics the rising and setting of the sun, a powerful symbol of transformation and renewal. Practicing sun salutations on the summer solstice deepens this connection, allowing you to tap into the invigorating light and warmth of the season.

A Solstice Yoga Flow to Embrace the Sun’s Energy

Here’s a special summer solstice yoga flow designed to help you celebrate the season and harness the sun’s potent energy. Feel free to modify the poses to suit your practice level. It’s all about connecting with your breath and moving with intention.

Warm-Up:

  • Begin by spending a few minutes doing mindful breathing exercises. Sit comfortably with your spine erect, and close your eyes. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling your belly expand. Exhale slowly through your mouth, releasing any tension.
  • Gentle neck rolls and shoulder circles help prepare your upper body for movement.

Sun Salutations:

  • Flow through 3-5 rounds of sun salutations, synchronizing your breath with each movement.
  • Start in Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, arms by your sides.
  • Inhale and reach your arms overhead in High Plank Pose (Chaturanga Dandasana).
  • Exhale, lower yourself down to Chaturanga Pose, and keep your elbows close to your body.
  • Inhale, then sweep your legs back into Downward-Facing Dog Pose (Adho Mukha Svanasana).
  • Exhale and lift your hips up and back into Upward-Facing Dog Pose (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana).
  • Inhale, flatten your back, and roll down to your fingertips in plank pose.
  • Exhale and lower yourself all the way down to Chaturanga Pose.
  • Inhale, jump, or step your feet back between your hands to arrive in a lunge pose (Ashwa Sanchalanasana), one leg forward, the other back.
  • Exhale and step your back foot forward to meet the front foot in Warrior I Pose (Virabhadrasana I).
  • Raise your arms overhead and gaze upward.
  • Repeat on the other side.
  • Inhale, then return to High Plank Pose.
  • Exhale and lower yourself down to Downward-Facing Dog Pose.
  • Inhale, jump, or step your feet back to Mountain Pose.

Standing Poses to Embrace Strength:

  • After your sun salutations, focus on strengthening poses that embody the sun’s radiant power.
  • Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II): Similar to Warrior I, but turn your front foot out 90 degrees and bend your front knee. Reach your front arm forward and your back arm back for a strong, grounded feeling.
  • Triangle Pose (Trikonasana): From Warrior II, reach your front hand down towards your shin or the floor, and stretch your other arm towards the ceiling.

Balancing Poses to Find Equilibrium:

  • As the sun reaches its peak at midday, incorporate balancing postures to cultivate inner stability.
  • Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Stand on one leg and gently press the sole of your other foot to your inner calf, ankle, or thigh. Hold for a few breaths before switching sides.
  • Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Balance on one leg and wrap your other leg around the back of your standing calf. Reach your arms around your back and clasp your hands.

Heart-Opening Poses to Welcome Abundance:

  • Summer is a time for joy and connection. Open your heart center with these postures.
  • Bridge Pose (Setu Bandhasana): Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips up, keeping your shoulders grounded. Interlace your fingers under your body for added support.
  • Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your belly with your palms flat on the floor beside your shoulders. Press your upper body up, keeping your hips on the ground and your gaze forward.

Cooling Down and Reflection:

  • Child’s Pose (Balasana): Sit back on your heels and rest your forehead on the mat. Breathe deeply and allow your body to soften.
  • Savasana (Corpse Pose): Lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides and palms facing up. Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, letting go of any remaining tension. Spend a few minutes here, basking in the afterglow of your practice.

Setting Intentions

The summer solstice is a powerful time for setting intentions. As you rest in Savasana, visualize your goals and aspirations for the summer months ahead. See yourself radiating with the same vibrant energy you cultivated during your practice.

Connecting with Nature

If possible, take your summer solstice yoga practice outdoors. Find a spot where you can feel the sun’s warmth on your skin and immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature. This connection with the natural world will deepen your experience and allow you to truly embody the spirit of the summer solstice.

By practicing summer solstice salutations—yoga for the longest day of the year—you connect with the invigorating energy of the sun and set intentions for a vibrant and joyful summer. So, roll out your yoga mat, embrace the light, and let the sunshine guide you through your practice.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Senior Yoga at PIES

Deepen your connection to the summer sun with a special summer solstice salutations yoga class! As mentioned, practicing yoga during this time allows you to tap into the invigorating light and warmth of the season.

PIES Fitness Yoga Studio, a leader in senior yoga classes, offers a welcoming and supportive environment for you to experience the benefits of yoga. Our instructors are well-versed in modifications and can tailor poses to suit your individual needs.

Join us and embrace the vibrant energy of summer through movement and breath, connect with fellow yoga enthusiasts in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, and discover the many ways yoga can enhance your well-being.

Ready to celebrate the summer solstice with yoga? Contact PIES Fitness Yoga Studio today to learn more about our senior yoga classes and find a time that works for you!