The UN has set aside 21 June as International Day of Yoga. The theme for this year is Yoga for well being.
We are in an unprecedented time for our generation. The COVID19 pandemic has taken away some of us. Made many of us sick, some mildly, while others terribly. Changed the way we live, love, and work. It has made some of us lose our income or part of it, while some others have seen their incomes rise. Certainly, life has changed. Those of us who are strong, nimble and equipped to change will survive and perhaps prosper.
In these times, it is essential for us to maintain, not only our physical well being but our mental, emotional and spiritual well being. Yoga is one path, not the only one, but a good path to maintain our balance and be well, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Throughout this week, in my classes, I will set aside a few minutes for us to perform together 9 rounds of Sun Salutations. The 9 rounds of 12 asanas will add up to 108 asanas. I will encourage my students to channel their focus and thoughts during this 9 rounds: First inwards and reflect upon, where they are currently at, where they want to be, in terms of well being and the life they want to live. Second outwards, sending out positive, healing energy so that, our family, our nation and the world will heal and flourish once again.
The number 108 mean many things to different people. The diameter of the Sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth. The Sarsen Circle, Stonehenge, in the UK has a diameter of 108 feet. The Sheldons of the world will appreciate these. The major religions have their own interpretations and meanings attached to the number. In Taiji, there are 108 movements.
For the yoga practitioners , the number 108 represents spiritual completion. 1 represents God or a higher truth, 0 represents emptiness or completeness, and 8 represents infinity or eternity. Also in yoga, there are 108 nadis or channels of energy, that branches out from our heart chakra to the other 6 chakras. Love and healing are required to balance all 7 chakras and the heart acts as this pivot.Everything begins and end in the heart chakra.
A Yoga Mala is an ancient yogic tradition of performing 108 sun salutations. I intend to perform the Yoga Mala next Monday 21st June. Any company is welcome and appreciated. East Coast Beach, in front of the Road Safety Park, 7:30am.
Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) restrictions, mean just 5 of us. So please, register your interest.
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