I invite you to join me to honor and cultivate the smoothing lunar energies through exploration of the practice of Chandra Namaskar. In a world that is dominated by masculine, goal oriented, solar energies (known as rajas in Ayurveda) it is no wonder that most practitioners of yoga include Sun Salutations in their daily practice. I personally made Surya Namaskar a part of my daily routine for most of the past three decades until I found my practice beginning to burn me up, literally, instead of nurturing me. The practice of yoga is the art of deep listening, which is a constant practice. In the past few months I've turned to the cooler, more quieting lunar practices to tend the mind and body in such a way that involves participating with what is given to me instead of trying to force a perceived goal or agenda. After experiencing the healing properties of this practice, I felt called to share the lesser known Sister practice to Surya Namaskar.
Chandra Namaskar cultivates body balance and attunes us to the lunar cycles of nature and rhythm’s of our Spirit. Moon salutations are meditative, slow, and cooling. They help bring balance to busy schedules, over stimulation and the demands of the day. This practice is appropriate for all times of day, including late afternoon and early evening before bed. It can also be made into a ritual that would honor and attune one with the cycles of the moon when practiced with extra awareness and devotion during the new and full moon or outside beneath the rays of the full moon.
As with any practice in life, whether on or off the mat, the invitation is to come as you are and practice your yoga. At your own pace, with deep and slow consciousness breath, listening to what is needed, taking rest or modifying at any time. You may wish to begin with three to five or more breaths per pose and build up to one breath (three in Goddess pose) over time, which I have shared in the video below. Dropping into your own inner rhythm and pulse of the moon cycle, you may begin your practice by warming up the body with one cycle (practicing on both sides) of chandra namaskar or moving through the sequence as your main Sadhana (practice) with three or more cycles. When moving with a slow, and meditative pace, the practice will be around 4-5 minutes depending on the length of your breath cycle. Enjoy the practice!
ॐ चंद्राय नम: ll
