Yoga For Beginners: Sun Salutation

Yoga is more than just stretching. It is a way of life. Yoga embraces the whole person, to lead you on a path of well being, physically, mentally, and spiritually. You do not need to embrace a specific religion to enjoy the benefits of yoga. The spirit of yoga welcomes all. What you do need is a desire to grow, and a desire to love yourself beyond where you are today. Yoga is appropriate for all age and skill levels, it's benefits are far reaching.

This series of hubs is written for people who have not yet explored yoga, but would like to. It will cover not only some basic poses for beginners, but the philosophy behind yoga. If you want to be more flexible, read on.

When learning yoga, the poses typically come before the philosophy. It is important to find out that you can do a pose. The struggle with self to overcome fear, hesitation and embarrassment will lead you on a path of growth and increased body awareness. We all start at the beginning. Not knowing any yoga poses. Not understanding the seemingly complex thought system embraced by the enlightened gurus. At the beginning, we learn. As we learn simple poses, our mind slowly overcomes the ego who tears us down at every opportunity. Our true self learns that we are strong, capable, and smart. As we work through each pose, our true self is lifted. The boost in confidence that follows creates a desire to improve your life in other areas, and this is where the philosophy comes in.

The Sun Salutation provides an excellent opportunity to learn basic yoga moves. Done in the morning, it is an excellent way to begin your day. As you stand in mountain pose, be grateful for the rising sun, for the blessings in your life, and for the breath of life you possess. That is the beginning of yoga philosophy.

1. MountainBegin by standing in Mountain pose, feet about hip width apart, hands either by your sides or in prayer position. Take several deep breaths.2. Hands upOn your next inhale, in one sweeping movement, raise your arms up overhead and gently arch back as far as feels comfortable and safe.3. Head to knees As you exhale, bend forward, bending the knees if necessary, and bring your hands to rest beside your feet.4. LungeInhale and step the right leg back5. PlankExhale and step the left leg back into plank position. Hold the position and inhale.6. StickExhale and lower yourself as if coming down from a pushup. Only your hands and feet should touch the floor.7. Upward DogInhale and stretch forward and up, bending at the waist. Use your arms to lift your torso, but only bend back as far as feels comfortable and safe. Lift your legs up so that only the tops of your feet and your ahnds touch the floor. It's okay to keep your arms bent at the elbow.8. Downward dogExhale, lift from the hips and push back and up.9. LungeInhale and step the right foot
forward.10. Head to kneesExhale, bring the left foot forward and step into head-to-knee position.11. Hands upInhale and rise slowly while keeping arms extended .12. MountainExhale, and in a slow, sweeping motion, lower your arms to the sides. End by bringing your hands up into prayer position. Repeat the sequence, stepping with the left leg.

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