❄️ 108 Sun Salutations- Winter Solstice
Welcoming the Winter Solstice: 108 Sun Salutations and Seasonal Rituals
As the Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, it also offers an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with ourselves and the rhythms of nature. This year, we celebrated the arrival of winter with a powerful and transformative practice: 108 Sun Salutations.
The Magic of a Crisp Winter Morning
It was a crisp winter morning, bundled in cozy layers, we gathered to honor the turning of the season and embrace the stillness and renewal that the solstice brings. The practice of 108 Sun Salutations—a symbolic and meditative flow—is rooted in yogic tradition and serves as a way to cleanse, invigorate, and prepare the mind and body for what lies ahead.
The Ritual of 108 Sun Salutations
The number 108 holds deep significance in many spiritual and cultural traditions. It’s a sacred number symbolizing wholeness, the universe, and the connection between the individual and the divine. Performing 108 Sun Salutations is a physically demanding yet deeply rewarding practice, representing a journey inward and a release of the past to welcome new energy.
We began our sequence as the first rays of winter sunlight peeked over the horizon. With each salutation, the group moved in unison, synchronizing breath and movement. The flow warmed our bodies and illuminated the spirit, creating a palpable sense of unity and purpose.
Warming Up with Tea and Simmer Pots
After completing the 108 Sun Salutations, we gathered around for some well-deserved warmth and nourishment. Cups of steaming tea were passed around, infusing the air with soothing aromas. Each sip was a moment of gratitude and reflection, a chance to soak in the energy we’d cultivated through our practice.
We also embraced a cozy seasonal tradition: making simmer pots. A blend of cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and cloves made to be simmered on the stove.
Reflecting on the Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice invites us to slow down, embrace the darkness, and trust the cycles of nature. Through the meditative repetition of Sun Salutations, we mirrored the journey of the sun, honoring its brief presence and welcoming its eventual return.
As we stepped into the rest of the day, the sense of renewal and connection lingered—a reminder that even in the quiet and stillness of winter, there is abundant light and possibility waiting to emerge.