The start of astronomic Summer is marked by the summer solstice, which marks the year’s longest day. It falls between June 20th and June 22nd in the Northern hemisphere. It falls on June 21st, 2022.
The changing seasons mark a time for transformation, change, nature, and new beginnings. This time of year offers a chance to reflect, set intentions, and review any resolutions we may have made for the New Year. Yoga can be used to support this process. It includes practices that generate heat and inner strength.
Get your Agni on, your inner flame.
Ayurveda is yoga’s sister science. Agni represents our inner fire. It helps us burn off the food and assimilate thoughts, emotions, and stories we don’t need anymore. You can stimulate Agni with certain foods, such as ginger and black pepper. This is possible through practices like Kapalabhati Yoga and yoga poses that target the abdominals, like the Bow pose.
Sun Salutations are a way to show gratitude for the sun.
It is also a time when we honor the sun. International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21st. It’s a time to honor the sun. I participated in the 108 challenge with Agnes and Esther a few years ago and found that repetition had a wonderful meditative effect. But it is not for everyone. You can reap the same benefits by practicing just one Sun Salutation slow and mindfully, with intention.
Concentrate on your Solar Plexus Chakra – Manipura Chakra
The Manipura, or Solar plexus Chakra, is associated with power and energy. It is your center of strength, stamina, vitality and willpower. Twists and heart-opening poses such as the Cobra pose are some ways to stimulate your Manipura Chakra.
Channel the Fire Element
Yoga philosophy states that the universe comprises five elements: earth, water, fire, air and space. (In Traditional Chinese Medicine and philosophy, the 5 elements include Earth, Water, Fire and Wood. Fire can transform and bring forth light and be used as fuel. It is associated with the Solar Plexus chakra, which is responsible for achieving goals, willpower, digestion, willpower, and ambition. These qualities can be channeled into meditation. We can visualize a transformational fire and burn away all that is no longer necessary.
Balance Summer’s Pitta dosha
You can’t have too many good things! According to Ayurveda, the year is divided into seasons according to the three doshas Vata (Pita) and Kapha (Kapha). summertime falls under Pitta dosha. Summer might be the best time to cool down if Pitta is your dominant dosha. If you are experiencing Pitta-pacifying Yin Yoga practices and cool site pranayama, this might be the right time.
Summer Solstice yoga classes
EkhartYoga members can check out our playlist for Summer Solstice yoga classes that incorporate these themes.