Salute the Sun: How to Celebrate the Summer Solstice from Your Yoga Mat
For many across the globe, the summer solstice feels like the peak of a slow, six-month long inhale. There is a sense of fullness upon arrival and with it, permission to release and unwind - like watching a huge wave finally break. This day has seen ritualized celebration since ancient times to mark the longest day and shortest night in the year. In the northern hemisphere, it falls between June 20-22 each year and marks the official beginning of summer. The solstice is not a full day, just a specific moment in time; this year, it takes place on June 21 in the UK at 4:30 a.m. (and 11:30pm the night before in Eastern US time).
Coming from the Latin roots sol (sun) and sistere (stopped, stationary), the word “solstice” denotes the moment when the earth’s north pole reaches its maximum tilt towards the sun and appears to stand still in the sky temporarily. After this moment, the north pole begins to tilt away from the sun again until the winter solstice in December.
A simple moment in time might seem a surprising catalyst for celebrations that sometimes last several days in countries like Iceland, but imagine the impact of the apex of light combined with the midpoint in the growing season (halfway between spring’s planting and autumn’s harvest) for our forefathers as they emerged from a long, cold winter. Even with today’s technological advances making winter easier to cope with, the solstice can still provide ample opportunity to ignite feelings of peak energy, positivity and manifestation. Though traditional celebrations involving giant bonfires or watching the sunrise at Stonehenge are making a comeback, your yoga mat can actually offer a sacred space for ritual sun worshipping.
The sun has always held a special significance in yoga philosophy. Classical yoga begins with sun salutations facing east to mirror the sun’s energy, while Ayurveda advises aligning your day with the pattern of sun to capitalize on its energy. The sun represents activation, intensity and dynamism, while the moon epitomizes receptivity, coolness and relaxation. The summer solstice therefore is a natural point in the year to harness maximum energy and creative drive, while the winter solstice tends to draw us inward and invokes quiet contemplation.
Here is a suggested rhythm of your practice for the next month:
Begin with 3-10 rounds of any sun salutation to build heat
Ignite core strength with 1 minute in forearm plank
Take 3-6 standing poses such as Warrior 2 and Trikonasana and hold each for at least 10 breaths to build strength and stamina
Explore playful arm balances or standing balance poses to hone focus and determination
Finish with Surya Bhedana: gently seal your left nostril with your thumb and breath through your right nostril for 1-3 minutes
Last but not least, leave time to get off your mat and out into the sunshine!
