Restoring Reverence: remembering I am a drop in the ocean

Thanksgiving Prayer

We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us.
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with water.
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases.
We return thanks to the moon and stars, which have given to us their light when the sun was gone.
We return thanks to the sun, that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in Whom is embodied all goodness, and Who directs all things for the good of Her children.

~Iroquois Prayer

The reason for saluting the sun, or for practicing Surya Namakar, is to show reverence and respect for this life giving force.

There is no religion tied to Sun Salutations.  We are not worshiping the sun.  We are only recognizing that because of the sun and its nourishment, we are all able to be here.

The sun provides us with energy, warmth and light.

Take a moment to remember the last time you were in the sun. Recall the warmth of the sun slowly bathing over your head, shoulders and legs.

There’s literally no better feeling.  You feel recharged with new life and it warms up the coldest soul!

So take this time to Salute the Sun.  To remember that even through the dark night, the sun will rise again.  YOU will rise again.

Surya Namaskar  

1. Do standard Surya Namaskar first for two times
2. Start audio and perform Surya Namaskar along with directions below:
3. Do Surya Namaskar listening to Sanskrit prayer (a)
4. Do Surya Namaskar listening to English prayer translation (b)
5. Do Surya Namaskar listening to Bija chakra mantra (c)
6. Do Surya Namaskar focusing all energy on the body part associated with the chakra of that pose (base of spine, pelvis, navel, heart, throat, eyebrow, crown) (d)
7. Do Surya Namaskar two times in silence and your eyes closed if possible

1. Pranamasana (prayer pose)
   a. Om Mitraya Namaha
   b. (I bow to the one who is a friend to all)
   c. Yam
   d. Heart
2. Hasta Uttanasana (sky reaching pose)
   a. Om Ravaye Namaha
   b. (I bow to the radiant one)
   c. Ham
   d. Throat
3. Pada Hastasana (hands to feet pose)
   a. Om Suryaya Namaha
   b. (I bow to the dispeller of darkness)
   c. Vam
   d.Pelvis
4. Ashwasanchalanasana (low lunge)
   a. Om Bhanave Namaha
   b.(I bow to the one who illuminates)
   c. Om
   d. Eyebrow
5. Parvatasana (downward dog, feet together)
   a. Om Khagaya Namaha
   b. (I bow to the one who moves through the sky)
   c. Silence
   d. Crown
6. Ashtanga Namaskar (snake)
   a. Om Pushne Namaha
   b. (I bow to the giver of nourishment and strength)
   c. Ram
   d. Navel
7. Bhujangasana (low cobra)
   a. Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namaha
   b. (I bow to the one who is the source of energy)
   c. Lam
   d. Base of spine
8. Parvatasana (downward dog, feet together)
   a. Om Marichaye Namaha
   b. (I bow to the giver of light)
   c. Silence
   d. Crown
9. Ashwasanchalanasana (low lunge)
   a. Om Adityaya Namaha
   b. (I bow to the Divine Mother)
   c. Om
   d. Eyebrow
10. Pada Hastasana (hands to feet pose)
    a. Om Savitrye Namaha
    b. (I bow to the creator of life)
    c. Vam
    d. Pelvis
11. Hasta Uttanasana (sky reaching pose)
    a. Om Arkaya Namaha
    b. (I bow to the one who is worthy of praise and glory)
    c. Ham
    d. Throat
12. Pranamasana (prayer pose)
    a. Om Bhaskaraya Namaha
    b. (I bow to the giver of enlightenment)
    c. Yam
    d. Heart
13. Do 2 more Surya Namaskar in silence. Feel free to close your eyes as well
14. Childs Pose
15. Savasana

Thank you for this opportunity to practice.  To move.  To feel the heat inside burning away all stress and tension.  I show reverence and respect to MYSELF for showing up today.  For practicing self care.  I am able to mother and nurture myself.  To speak gently and kindly to the places inside that hurt.  I keep my heart safe and protected.  Not cold or withdrawn.  No, simply safe.  I am committed to supporting myself and listening to each and every part inside.

The sun reminds me of the softness of life.  Of the light that always rises no matter what.  It brings warmth and energy to this body.  No matter what.  I am grateful.

RestoringReverence (in PDF form)

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