Warmth of Sunlight
The month of June, the start of summer. The days become longer, temperatures reach into the thirties and there is lots of sunshine. The official first day of summer, here in the northern hemisphere, is marked each year by the summer solstice. Falling on June 20th 2020, this is the longest day of the year or the day with the most hours of sunlight. If we look at the meaning of the word solstice, it comes from the Latin word Solstitium. Sol meaning sun and stitium meaning still or stopped. Fitting because on this day in June, the sun has stopped in the sky at the highest and most north point in the sky, thus giving us the most hours of sunlight for the year, according to the Farmers Almanac. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say summer is something I look forward to during the cold, dark months of winter here in Canada. (Though, I’ll admit this past winter wasn’t as bad as previous have been). And I embrace the sun’s rays of warmth and light as much as I can, for the season never lasts long enough.
Exposure to sunlight has a number of positive effects on the body, one of the biggest being that it activates the production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D does many things including to help the body to absorb calcium (leading to stronger bones), reduce inflammation and help to increase immunity. Exposure to sunlight also increases serotonin within the body which helps to boost moods. Something we could all benefit from right now, during this pandemic. Although, too much sun exposure is not good either. Negative effects of sunlight, which include burns from the UV rays as well as dehydration from the heat both can be painful and stressful on the body. Proper precautions of sun block and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated should be taken as well as limiting the time spent in direct sunlight. I try to take advantage of any time I can get outside during the summer and I have found that it is best for me to enjoy the sun in small doses while wearing a 50spf!
To show gratitude for the sun’s light, the warmth of its rays and its many benefits, we can revolve our hearts open, reach our finger tips and turn our gaze (if it is safe for our necks to do so) towards it in Revolved Side Angle Pose or Parivrtta Parsvakonasana. Other common names for this pose include Revolved Runner’s Lunge or, my favourite, Twisted Lizard Lunge. While basking in the sun’s rays many parts of body benefit from being in this pose. It not only strengthens the ankles, knees and legs but also stretches them along with the groin, spine, chest, lungs and shoulders. This increases endurance and range of motion as well as improves balance. The twist also stimulates the internal organs responsible for digestion, thus helping to improve it. Making it a great pose overall for anyone, especially runners, to find themselves in. Those of you who have read my previous posts I’m sure have already guessed; I do in my post run sequence. I make modifications to complement my body, focusing on what feels best, slowly working towards the more advanced posture. The following steps, starting with a modified version for beginners, can be taken to get into Revolved Side Angle Pose or Parivrtta Parsvakonasana.
From Downward Dog:
With palms firmly planted, raise the right leg up to three-legged dog and step the foot through to inside the right hand.
Staying strong in that back leg, the foot can remain planted on the mat, with the option to place support, like a blanket, under the heel if it lifts.
Making sure the knee is inline with the ankle, begin to revolve open the chest to the right. Keep the left palm planted as the right arm raises and finger tips reach towards the sky.
A more advanced option is to come up into high lunge and bring the hands to prayer at the chest.
·Revolve the chest open to the right and tilt the torso towards the mat so the left elbow can come in front of the right knee.
Option to stay here, in prayer twist, or open the arms, left finger tips reach to the ground and right finger tips towards the sky.
Gaze lands wherever is comfortable for the neck whether is be down on the right foot, to the side or up at the finger tips.
From Warrior II:
With the right leg bent, knee inline with ankle, turn the chest towards the front leg. Bring the hands to the mat, framing the foot.
·Staying strong in the back leg again, the foot can remain planted, inline with the back edge of the mat if this is within your practice.
If not, shift the toes so that the foot moves to a more comfortable angle with the back edge of the mat. Support can be place under the heel, like a blanket, if it lifts off the mat.
Begin to revolve the chest open to the right and lifting the right hand, fingertips reaching towards the sky.
Another more advanced option is to bring the hands to prayer as the chest revolves to the right and the torso tilts towards the mat so the left elbow comes in front of the right knee.
Option to stay here, in prayer twist, or open the arms, left finger tips reach to the ground and right finger tips towards the sky.
Again, gaze lands wherever is comfortable for the neck whether is be down on the right foot, to the side or up at the finger tips.
Once you’ve made your way into the pose, taking whichever modifications feel best for your body, take a few breath’s and sink into the pose. Feel your fingertips reach towards the sun, allow your heart to open up and feel gratitude for its warmth and light. When you are ready to come out of the pose, make your way back to Downward dog or Warrior II and set up for the pose on the opposite side. Step the left leg through from Downward Dog or flow however you wish to come into Warrior II on the left side, with the left foot forward. This creates balance between the left and right side of the body. Remember that each side may feel different so be gentle and take the modifications necessary.