Looking for a fun Summer Solstice yoga practice? Throughout history, many cultures have celebrated the turning of the seasons. Some seasonal celebrations are more popular than others, but whether you celebrate with a specific holiday tradition or not, it’s always a good idea to honor the transition from one season to the next.
108 Sun Salutations
One way to honor the changing of the seasons is to practice 108 Sun Salutations. This yogic tradition is a great way to create fresh energy to begin each season. One hundred and eight is a sacred number in Hindu tradition—it is the number of malas found on a mala bead and it is also astrologically significant as the distance between the Earth and sun and between the Earth and moon is 108 times the diameter of each.
Practicing 108 Sun Salutations isn’t easy, but that is precisely why it is such a powerful reset practice. When you practice 108 Sun Salutations, you’re committing to discipline, building physical and mental energy and strength, and meditating on the qualities of the coming season.
Stay cool with your summer solstice yoga practice
As we transition from spring to summer, it’s time to think about how you’ll manage the heat in your life. Are you staying cool and hydrated? Do you have go-to calming practices to fall back on when you get a little overheated? Are you giving yourself and your family the space you all need to stay balanced? Summer is a season of fun but it can also be a time when routines get thrown by the wayside and imbalance starts to fester. The more imbalanced you become during the summer season, the harder it will be to transition into the busy back-to season of Fall.
This summer, commit to little routines to help you stay cool and balanced. They don’t have to be complicated or cost any money. Embrace family afternoon naps or “down-time” during the height of the heat or find fun ways to play with water all summer long. Find ways to integrate nature and all the elements into your days—go for hikes (connect with the Earth), swim in the pool (connect with water), enjoy evening bonfires (connect with fire), go for bike rides (connect with air), or simply rest on a picnic blanket in the warmth of the sun or the bliss of a shady tree while you watch the clouds go by (connect with space).
Summer Solstice Yoga Practice
For a physical yoga asana practice, rather than doing 108 of the same Sun Salutations over and over again, try this fun practice I’ve recorded for you on my YouTube channel. You’ll practice each Sun Salutation variation 27 times (much more doable than 108) and change directions on your mat to honor all the cardinal directions, all the seasons, and all that life has to offer. Plus, you’ll give your body a little variety!
And if you like this little practice, check out my online yoga studio for another Summer Solstice yoga practice that will keep you cool all summer long!
Happy Summer Solstice!
