Surya Namaskar Yoga Classes
Since time immemorial, people have been doing Surya Namaskar Yoga to honour the Sun, energize the body, and focus the mind.
In today’s evolving world, yoga has picked up some interesting elements, while retaining it’s essential form. One of these is, infusing the modern Sun Salutation with rhythmic music, to enhance the creative flow that is in sync with the body’s movement and in harmony with this soulful practice.
Why Add Music to Sun Salutation?
In accordance with tradition, the yogic Surya Namaskar sequence is practiced at sunrise in silence or with soft mantras. This still holds deep spiritual value and the start of the Sun Salutation must always be done in this traditional way.
However, as we continue to do successive rounds of the Surya Namaskar we can certainly infuse the practice with music. Modern practitioners are blending music into the routine and turning it into an immersive moving meditation. Whether it’s soothing instrumental, lo-fi beats, Sanskrit chants, or ambient soundscapes, music breathes new energy into each pose and transition.
The Power of Flow-Based Movement
Flow-based yoga, especially Vinyasa, complements this evolution perfectly. The Sun salutation is also a Vinyasa flow. Instead of pausing between poses, movements become seamless, intuitive, and aligned with the rhythm of our breath and the beat of the music. This musical Sun Salutation is not just a workout; it becomes a dance, a celebration, and a moving prayer.
Benefits of Modern Sun Salutations
Here’s what makes modern Sun Salutation yoga special:
Better mindfulness, as music anchors our awareness in the present. Better motivation with a rhythmic beat, so we naturally are urged to move more and take breaks less often. Improved coordination and breath control, as flowing with music enhances an intuitive understanding of timing and breath-movement connection. Music unlocks emotions, which is a perfect way for releasing pent up energies and leaving the practitioner feeling light and free.
Overall, combining music with physical activity will improve mood and reduce perceived exertion, which makes yoga even more joyful and sustainable.
Yoga With Sapna’s ‘Yoga With Music Show’.
In the year 2012 (as a challenge to myself on my 50th birthday) along with 17 students of mine, I put up a Yoga Show in a prominent auditorium in Gurugram, India. Tickets were sold and we ran house full. The performance included several Vinyasa sequences Surya Namaskar and others, choreographed by me and set to different pieces of stimulating music. The Sequence ‘Air’ was graceful with slow soulful music, the Vinyasa ‘Water’ was challenging with engaging music and the Flow ‘Fire’ was dynamic with energizing music.
This was so many years ago when I had never seen yoga done to music. I think I was pioneering this form and the audience loved it.
Ready to Flow with Music and Mindfulness?
Join Yoga with Sapna and experience a soulful blend of Modern Sun Salutations with mindful breath work, and creative flows. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned yogi, this journey will awaken your body and uplift your spirit.
Let the rhythm guide your breath. Let your flow become art. Learn more at Yoga with Sapna today!