What’s the link between yoga and the summer solstice?

June 21, 10-11.15am, Fishponds Park, Surbiton

Midsummer and the summer solstice is always a very significant time in the yoga calendar. It’s the longest day of the year and it symbolises renewal. For yogis it is a time to celebrate the sun’s energy, life-giving powers and the natural cycles of light and darkness. It is also a time to acknowledge the fire element in Ayurveda (agni) that is associated with inner strength, drive, self-confidence, digestion and personal transformation.

The Summer Solstice is the day nominated for International Yoga Day too. This date was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations because as the longest day, it symbolises light, awareness and vitality - all qualities at the heart of yoga practice.

So, there is plenty to celebrate on June 21 and the warm weather is absolutely amazing for outdoor yoga right now.

What to expect in Saturday’s summer solstice class

 

Several traditional yoga practices are especially significant during the summer solstice and Saturday’s midsummer outdoor yoga class will include many of these:

• Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) – these are set sequences of postures and when we are outside, we practice them facing the sun. Doing Sun Salutations on the solstice is considered very auspicious because the sun’s life-giving energy is at its greatest. Many yoga communities to hold gatherings to practice rounds of Sun Salutations together. There is a tradition of completing 108 rounds but this can be too much for many people and so, in the spirit of Be Happy Yoga being a yoga community for everybody, we will just do a few!

• Focus on the Manipura (Solar Plexus) Chakra – my favourite chakra. Manipura Chakra is located in the abdomen and linked to core strength. It drives your personal agency (inner power), vitality, and transformation. A balanced Manipura Chakra is also considered very important for a healthy digestion and there needs to be a fine balance reached between too much and too little digestive fire (agni). During Saturday’s summer solstice class we will practice yoga poses that stimulate Manipura Chakra, including core strengthening, twisting and heart-opening postures.

  
  

• Meditation and reflection – we will be starting with energising breathwork and it will end with a lovely guided relaxation and a breath meditation. Breathwork practices that build heat in the body, such as Kapalabhati are very traditional during this time and we will balance them with more cooling ones like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing).

What are the health benefits of Sun Salutations?

 

If you come to yoga classes regularly you will know lots of different Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar). They are a cornerstone of my yoga practices all year round and offer a wide range of benefits for body and mind. For instance, they:

• Warm up the body - the sequences activate major muscle groups and prepare us for more intense practice;

  
  

• Boost our energy and heart rate - the reason we usually take 5 breaths after completing a series of rounds is because they are very dynamic, raising the heart rate and providing a cardiovascular workout;

  
  

• Tone muscles and improve flexibility - each posture in the sequence strengthens and stretches different muscle groups, enhancing overall flexibility and muscle tone;

  
  

• Support immune function - the movement is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system and provides a boost to the immune system;

  
  

• Reduce stress and anxiety – linking breath and movement in a flowing sequence becomes a moving meditation, calming the mind and reducing stress levels;

• Balance body and mind – if you know the sun salutations off by heart you can use them in your home practice regularly and it’s a very easy way to create a daily yoga routine.

  
  

Class details for June 21

Join me and lots of other yogis on Saturday June 21 at 10am, to enjoy the energy of the summer solstice through these traditional yoga practices that balance the Solar Plexus Chakra. It will be a 75 min class with a social picnic afterwards.

We are meeting in the Rose Garden at Fishponds Park, the nearest entrance is at the end of Mayberry Place in Surbiton, which is a turning off Browns Road (off Ewell Road) – look for the corner shop and post box. There is street parking nearby.

Check out the video showing the exact spot.

Timing: 10-11.15am, followed by a social picnic. Please bring your own snacks and I will bake a cake to share.

You are welcome to bring a friend or family member for free with every booking online.

Note you will all need your own yoga mats please.

Please also bring your sunscreen, sunglasses etc as it will probably be HOT.

Look forward to seeing you there

And if you haven't yet booked and want to come, you can do so online as usual. There are a few spaces left. Just pay for one space or use your class credit and you are welcome to bring others.

Direct link to booking page on my website