Amongst others, like servicing our Eberspacher heater as winter’s finally arrived in Malta, I started the year with 108 Sun Salutes – probably the most well-known and complete yoga sequence – in preparation for an upcoming charity event. This strong meditation in movement left me feeling invigorated and full of power to tackle the new year.
Why 108?
- The diameter of the sun is 108 times the diameter of the Earth.
- There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet.
Each has masculine and feminine, shiva and shakti. 54 times 2 is 108. - Atman, the human soul or center goes through 108 stages on the journey
- There are 108 forms of dance in the Indian traditions.
- ASTROLOGY: There are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas.
9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole. - ANAHATA (HEART) CHAKRA: The chakras are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. One of them, sushumna leads to the crown chakra, and is said to be the path to Self-realization.
- MARMAS: Marmas or marmastanas are like energy intersections called chakras, except have fewer energy lines converging to form them. There are said to be 108 marmas in the subtle body.
- BUDDHISM: 108 beads on the Hindu maalaa {rosary} 108 Arhats or Holy Ones
- HINDUISM: 108 Gopis {consorts} of Lord Krishna 108 Holy places for Vaishnavas 108 beads on the Japa maalaa {rosary} 108 Upanishads 108 Divyadeshes – Divine or Sacred Tirtha throughout India and Nepal 108 sacred water taps in Muktinath – Nepal
If you are in Malta, join Michelle and I on Sunday, January 11, 1-3pm, for 108 Sun Salutes at the stunningly beautiful glass surrounded, nature bound Villa Bologna in Attard. 50% of the donation based event will go to a local charity.
We will begin with a warm-up and then dive into the salutes. The ‘class’ will end with a bit of a cool down and a restorative meditation session.
A strong, fluid and invigorating way to get 2015 started. If you are not on the rock (as the island is often referred to by locals), join us anyway, organizing your own event, or simply flowing through your own salutes. Maybe we could Skype you in? Leave a comment or send us an email if you are interested!
Sailing Yoga Family 
I did it!!! And I was so sore afterward. HA! I wouldn’t have thought that would make me sore. My girls and I woke up this morning and the sun was rising over the anchorage. It was magnificent. I asked the girls to join me for a few Sun Salutations. They jumped up as fast as they could to join. The two girls and I did 5 (one for each person in the family) and Taj watched. What a fantastic way to start the day. Thanks for the inspiration!
Fabulous, and thanks for sharing. Indeed, you don’t expect to be sore, I find, as you drop into such an almost meditative fllow… off to the mat now before the kids wake up and we move back on board after a month of staying at friends… I’ll need to warmth and stamina as we are still trying to source the right heater exhaust;) Thx for sharing. Have a great day, lol. xx
Dini- what a great idea. I think I’ll try to join you virtually! Now to figure out what time that is here in Thailand… hmmm… my late afternoons are your mornings I believe. Loving your new blog look btw!
Behan, gorgeous, happy new year, birthday and merry xmas all together. Thailand is 6 hours ahead of Malta, so 1pm (our starting time) would be your 7pm. Do you just want to do your own thing simultaneously – connecting energetically… or on top try a life Skype connection? Thx for the feedback on the new look – what strikes you better/worse than the simpler theme before? Hope all’s well Totem end. xx
I am going to aim for the same time – although – we have a (happy) complication. My cousin is coming to visit and that’s her arrival day! I may have to do these on my own earlier, before she’s on board… tbd. Can’t do skype video but I’ll try to get a picture. I think we’ll be anchored under a huge mountaintop statue of Buddha – it’s a really pretty spot.