As a yoga student, whatever your level, you can appreciate that your practice is personal.
It is your own.
To me, this means that the challenges I face, the obstacles I overcome and the milestones I reach will have value for the most part because I encountered and experienced them myself.
I can respect another person’s yoga journey or path, but I will always hold my own dearly.
It is your own.
But, having a personal yoga practice does not mean that it is unique. Personal does not necessarily mean different. What you find out about yourself on the mat can be unique to you, but the intention, movements and persistence is what we yogis have in common.
These contribute to the energy we build in our studios and other shared spaces.
These draw us together and weave our similar passions into a beautiful sense of community.
What drives you to the mat, keeps you there and calls you back is what I recognize in you and we celebrate in each other.
With that being said, we have to accept the fact that as a community we will have shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs. This is what I would like to speak to today in regards to motivating you through your personal 108 Sun Salutations.
Although you will individually step up to your own mat, there is a community of people who have done it before you, will do it with you and will do it after you. The great thing is that the challenges, such as self-doubt, have been faced before.
Along with that, we have to remember that the insights gleaned for success will apply to us as well.
Here are 8 tips that I have gleaned from my experience with 108 Sun Salutations, and from what I learned from our yoga community. My hope is that they will help you keep going through the uphill parts of your experience.
1. Clarify your intention
Clearly, articulate why you signed up for the 108 Sun Salutations. Bring this intention with you.
2. Keep YOUR OWN pace
Follow your breath. Your inhales to rise up, go deeper and build. Your exhales to lower, release and settle. Honor your body’s guidance and direction. the time to still any negative self-talk. You are here and that is the most important decision and the hardest part of it all. Right now you just need to focus on the next movement. The one after it will take care of itself.
3. Use modification when needed
Downward facing dog with straight legs or bent knees is still powerful. Push yourself to fully express each movement, but don’t let pride or ego bully you into stepping over your limit.
4. Take breaks when needed
Take breaks or modifications when needed. This is a marathon, not a sprint. The endurance will fortify you mentally and physically.
5. Meditate or pray during breaks
If you opt for a break, take child pose and keep yourself present to the experience and energy around you. Get the most out of this pause by focusing on one thought or a prayer of gratitude for the strength in your limbs, the clarity of your mind and the opportunity of the experience.
6. Leverage the energy of those around you
Breathe in the energy of the movements around you. Add your own to motivate those around you.
7. Protein at least two hours prior and show up with an empty stomach
We will provide you with nourishment for the experience. Keep your body light to perform its best and prevent it from becoming a distraction. Have something to eat, at the latest, two hours prior to beginning your 108 Sun Salutations.
8. Drink plenty of water before, during and afterward
This to me is a must no matter what your intention, level of practice or personal pace. Respect your body and give it what it needs for the 108 Sun Salutations and it will astound you.
As you prepare for your personal 108 Sun Salutations I hope that these tips provide the resolve, fortification and mental oomph you need to astound yourself.
Get the best out our your 108 Sun Salutation experience
Receive tips for getting the best out of your 108 Sun Salutations experience :
- 108 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
- How To Do Sun Salutation A and B
- 3 Top Challenges You’ll Face with 108 Sun Salutations
- 5 Ways to Fight Off Doubt With Your 108 Sun Salutations
Question: Have you ever done 108 Sun Salutations before? What was your experience like? If not, what do you think will be your biggest challenge?
