Suryanamaskar brings a unique dimension to yoga. It energizes the body through a combination of stimulation and relaxation techniques. It can be singularly useful for people with either Tamas (inertia), Rajas (hyperactivity) or Satva (balance). In every human physiology, we have both stress response and relaxation response but we do not seem to have control over them. Yoga, and especially Suryanamaskar, brings a voluntary control over this involuntary capacity of human physiology and personality.

If you are practicing Surya namaskar & want to brighten up your experience even more this blog will definitely help you do that. Here are some simple and practical tips that can help you master the art of surya namaskar & make your experience more complete and blissful.

1. Warm up, Warm Up & Warm Up

We generally tend to forget that charging up your muscles same ways how we do with our bodies is very important. Some gentle stretches’ or perform some Sukhama Vyayma, this will help you remove the restlessness in your body, will wake up the sleeping muscles in the body and prepares it for Surya Namaskar

2. Breathe Natural

Breathe slowly, gently, and effortlessly, keeping in mind that you are inhaling and exhaling with each Asana you perform, breathe normally (not in Ujjayi). Try and keep the breath in harmony with every body movement.

3. Chant those Mantras

When you chant mantras your mind releases the positive energy that decreases the negative thoughts or stress. Chanting mantras is an ancient practice that calms your mind and soul. You should always chant. Each of the 12 Surya Namaskar poses have 12 corresponding mantras recited in honor of the Sun. Further, as you do each posture, take your attention to the particular chakra (12 chakras for every posture). For example, in the first pose (Namaskarasana), we take our attention to the Anahata Chakra located at the heart level. Doing your Sun Salutations with mantra chants and awareness on chakras, adding a feeling of gratitude, adds a profound spiritual and meditative aspect to your practice.

4. Put Effort & Let it go

The most important tip to enhance your Surya Namaskar experience. Like every yoga posture, when you start doing Surya Namaskars in the beginning, you will need to put in a little effort. That effort is required, as it helps channelize the Rajoguna or restlessness in the body and then what remains is simple harmony or Sattva. So Rajoguna gets exhausted with exercise and Sattva leads you to meditation – the feeling of letting go.

5. Smile

Last but not the least, always make sure you have a smile on your face while performing Surya Namaskar. It will make a big difference, You will be able to enjoy your stretches much more. That smile can keep the energy going.