Savasana Poem: I Salute the Sun

Sunshine. It changes the world. It changes the way I look at the world. And so I salute the sun.

The sun gives life. The world began with the coming of light. Everything that exists originates from the sun. And so I salute the sun.

The sun sustains life. Nothing could live without it. I couldn’t live without it. And so I salute the sun.

The sun cleanses and heals. It warms and comforts. It inspires and energises. And so I salute the sun.

The sun shines into the darkest of places, spreading light and hope and life. It shines into the darkest corners of my soul, illuminating the darkness. Its penetrating rays pierce the numb, dull shadows of my consciousness. And so I salute the sun.

Surya. The sun. A manifestation of the divine. A pathway to the divine.

Surya Namaskar. The Sun Salutation. Namas: to bow to or to adore.

I take this opportunity to express gratitude to the sun. To bathe in the sun’s light.

I take this opportunity to recognise and respect the sun’s power to heal and yet to destroy. To allow the sun to strengthen my bones and lift my spirits.

I join with countless others across the world and back through the centuries in this Sun Salutation. I face the direction of the rising sun. I start each round with my hands joined at my heart. My feet together. I am ready to begin.

I breathe in all that is good as I raise my arms up high over my head and lift up my heart to the sun. I open out across my chest as I release into this backward bend. As I exhale, I fold forward, my hands gently connecting with the earth below.

I turn my awareness inward toward my heart. I focus. I adopt a spirit of devotion. Each movement matters. Each movement will be mindful. Each movement will be precise. Each movement will be dynamic.

I step back with my right leg into a deep lunge. I enjoy the stretch. I raise my arms high over my head and lengthen my spine. I close my eyes and feel the sun on my face. Another breath fills my lungs with love and light and life. I contract and release; flex and stretch; inhale and exhale. Each position counteracts the one before.

I step back into downward dog as I exhale. I stay for five breaths, releasing my hamstrings and enjoying the sun on my back. I flow forward into plank. I’m aware of the strength and energy flowing through my back, my arms, my legs and my core. I lower my body down slowly until every point is in contact with the solid ground beneath me. I lift my face to the sun in a low cobra pose, stretching my spine forward and upward.

I establish a flow. Some days I will take my time. Others I will pick up the pace. Each day I will listen to my heart and go with its flow.

I swing my right leg between my hands and settle into a lunge. I lift my arms and face to the sun. I step forward with the other leg into a forward fold.

As I link my movement to my breath, I improve my circulation. As I breathe slowly and deeply, I improve my lung capacity. As I inhale, I reach my arms and my heart up towards the sun.

I finish each round with my hands joined at my heart.

The sun has cleansed and healed my body. The sun has warmed and comforted my heart. The sun has inspired and energised my soul.

I am restored. I am ready to face the day.