7 Ways To Celebrate Summer Solstice 2017 With Yoga On The Beach

Summertime means longer days and hotter weather. As Yoga Journal noted, many yoga poses are inspired by the sun and its rotation. Since the sun is such a major part of summer, and the summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, it’s the perfect time to practice yoga. Continue reading below to see some ways yogis can celebrate.

One way can be to “salute” the sun with sun salutations. For people who take yoga classes, sun salutations are generally practiced to start the class. As a way to honor and celebrate summer, yogis can add more sun salutations into their routine. By doing some, practitioners can go deeper into their poses.

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The essence of sun salutations is “bowing to and taking in the fiery solar energy of the sun, to wake us up, energize us, and start our day,” Yoga Journal wrote. “The practice was originally taught to be done in the morning, with the torso facing the sun.”

Instead of being indoors while practicing yoga, it would be best to move outside. The beach is arguably one of the most peaceful places to do yoga, although the sand and wind might make it difficult. According to Do You Yoga and Spa Finder, there are poses that people can try in the sand. International Business Times added one at the end for fun.

1. Hero Pose (Virasana): This pose is good because it’s soft on the body. It this position, the sand can be used to help prop up the body just like a blanket or block would be used.

2. Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana): For the more flexible, this pose could be a good one to practice on the shore. As a tip, it might be helpful to use two blankets, depending on the height of the person.

3. High Lunge: This is another position where the sand can be useful instead of a nuisance. It can be used so there isn’t as much pressure on the knee.

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4. Extended Side Angle Pose (Utthita Parsvakonasana): In this position, the sand can be used as a way to stop feet from slipping. The sand also makes it easier to glide into the position and go deeper. Just like with the hero pose, build the sand into a mound if extra height is needed.

5. Headstand (Sirsasana): While this isn’t the easiest position for some yogis to master, it could be a fun one to do on the beach. As a tip, use the sand as a place holder for your head.

6. Prayer twist lunge: The sand can be a helpful anchor in this position. Molding the sand so it's in a higher position can make the move more difficult, and therefore engage the legs further.

7. Warrior Pose (Viparita Virabhadrasana): While this standing position is good for meditation, it’s also can make for a good Instagram picture. Make sure to get the water in the background.

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