108 Sun Salutations

Years ago, I was invited to take part in 108 Sun Salutations for a charity close to my heart.  At the point that I agreed to do them, I think I was focusing more on the charity aspect as opposed to the actual Sun Salutations.  It wasn’t until I was on the mat that I realised that I was about to do 108 Sun Salutations “What had I signed myself up for?”, I thought, panicking slightly, and looking around at everyone else in the room who mostly looked calm and centred!

But this is what I learnt during and by the time I finished the salutations:

• if you surrender to the process, don’t fight any resistance or emotions but just acknowledge them and then let them go, by the time you finish you will feel lighter and calmer and more in touch with yourself.
• A boost of confidence, make sure you are focusing on positivity, maybe use a mantra when you practice and by the end you will have transformed your entire outlook
• You will have so much energy, you will be buzzing
• You are much stronger than you thought you were

So, what is the significance of 108? 

The number 108 is significant and sacred in many ways.  It appears in appears in many disciplines from astronomy to yoga:

• The number 108 appears in ancient, sacred texts. For example, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 Tantras
• In Ayurveda there are 108 sacred points on the body
• In numerology, 108 equals 9, which symbolizes universal love, eternity and awakening
• In astronomy, the distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter
• Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads, which are used to count during meditation
• It is said that there are 108 types of feelings in the human body, Both Buddhism and Hinduism believe that every human being has 108 different types of feelings. 36 of these feelings revolve round their past, 36 revolve round the present, and the remaining 36 are based on their dreams and future ambitions.
• 108 degrees Fahrenheit, when the internal body temperature reaches 108 F, the vital organs in the body will begin to shut down
• There are 108 names to deities

So, if you are ready to give 108 Sun Salutation a go here are a few tips to make the journey easier.  Remember to breathe, it sounds cliché but it’s true.  Focus on your breath and if you need to stop, Stop, take a rest in child’s pose and continue when you are ready.  The goal may be 108 but whether you do 30, 60 or 90 it’s your intention that counts and remember yoga is not about our ego.  Also listen to your body, yes, another cliché, but feel free to modify any poses at any point during the practice i.e do a cobra instead of an Upward facing dog or skip the chaturanga and come down onto the tummy.  Stay focused and just allow your body to flow through this meditative practice and just enjoy it.

Doing all 108 Sun Salutations that time took me around two hours to complete, but it was worth every minute. There are no words to describe the feeling you have afterwards, and I think every yogi should experience it at least once.