THE SUN SALUTE - SALUTE TO THE SON - from Hatha Yoga

[Gary C. Cunningham]

This wonderful asana(moving posture), is credited with LONG LIFE - SLOW HEART RATE - LOWERED BLOOD PRESSURE - IDEAL BODY WEIGHT - ELIMINATION OR AVOIDANCE OF SENIOR DISEASES & AGING. It is a twelve part posture, scientifically designed long ago to OPEN all Chakras and Maximize the storage of Life Energy

Face East

To begin, stand quietly in Tadasana
Body erect
Feet together, weight slightly on the toes
Palms together
Elbows pressed to the body
Thumbs against the Chest
Eyes and gaze forward

Exhale

Inhale, raising arms over the head Arch back, continuing the movement to the 10:00 position

Hold

In one long single graceful movement

From the Waist
Bend forward while exhaling slowly
Complete the exhalation
While placing the Fingertips beside the Toes (advanced - place Palms flat on floor beside Feet)

Move Palms to back of legs
Grasping Calves and press Face against the Knees.

Hold Relax in the posture

Place Palms flat to the floor next to Feet

Inhale

Chin up
Then arch Neck/Head looking toward feet
Lunge Right Leg all back ( end with leg far back, balance is on the toes )
Lunge Left Leg all back ( end with leg far back, balance is on the toes )
( you are in a modified pushup with hips slightly elevated )

Drop Chest to floor smoothly
Lower extended Chin to floor

While exhaling
Lower Body to floor
Turn Head to right
Relax - breath is empty

Push with Palms against the floor
Raising Chest slightly
Arch Neck - press Forehead to floor

Inhale thru Nostrils (in one smooth movement)
Lift Chin - Head - Chest ( leave lower Ribs in contact with floor ) Toes are pointed back)
And come to Full Cobra upon the completion of inhalation

Hold - Relax in the posture

Start Exhalation Push back with Palms against floor
Lift Hips while pushing back into
Dog Stretch as far as possible without strain - let your Head come lower than Elbows gaze at Knees
Complete exhalation

On Inhalation
Lunge Right Foot and Leg forward - place Foot next to Palm
Lower Left Knee to floor

Bring Left Leg forward
Straighten Legs
Exhale
While bringing Forehead to Knees

Hold - Relax in the posture

In one smooth movement
On Inhalation
Swoop up in a beautiful arch bending backwards past vertical
Palms together thruout

Exhale Staighten Spine
Lower Palms to Chest together in Namasti

Stand again in Tadasana

Repeat for Left side



Two complete Sun Salutes will completely energize your Body, Mind and Spirit while preparing you for Meditation or the Day The Lord Has Made.

Namasti
The Recumbent Buddah

[Melissa]

Sun Salutations are great! They are one of my favorite yoga activities.

[Gary C. Cunningham]

That's great news Melissa. It's also one of my favorites. Keep up your good work.