Texas Sun Salutations
Meditations of a Modern Day Mystic
Every morning during his visit, Grant stands shirtless in the backyard greeting the Texas sun as it rises. He sets his alarm to make the adjustment from Pacific to Central time zone. He’s done this for the past four years of his life– which is really something since he’s still in his 20’s. I join him later, when the sun is higher in the sky.
After observing his sunrise practice over the past two summer visits– I have become curious, “Why do you stand out here each morning?” He ticks off the health benefits in detail (and there are many)– it supports healthy sleep and circadian rhythm, wakes you up, improves mood, stress and energy levels. The morning rays prepare our skin to accept the more powerful UV rays that come later in the day. He concludes with this, “Auntie Lori, it’s just so spiritual.”
OK. Wow. He’s wise and disciplined beyond his years. He’s an old soul.
I’ve done Sun Salutations 100’s of times in yoga class, but always inside a dimly and artificially lit room. The irony is not lost on me. I commit to doing Grant’s version.
This morning I stand outside doing my own Sun Salutation. With great anticipation I wait and watch. Finally the sun appears. I shut my eyes and soak it in. I notice how the yellow hues are visible even with my eyes shut– and wonder how that will color my day. As the sun warms my face I begin to think of the way it is changing me on the inside- chemically, metabolically, emotionally, spiritually. I give thanks.
I reflect on the Holy and creative design of plant life and their ability to photosynthesize sunlight into chemical energy– which in turn nourishes me and the bumble bee who is darting in and out of the flowers nearby. I think I am surely created with a version of this internal process too. The ability to use the sun’s energy to nourish myself– in order to nourish others. Inward and outward. Contemplation and action.
How like humankind though, to identify and name this process in plant life claiming the nourishment as our God given bounty–and to overlook this important process within ourselves. A process that gives us fuel to nourish others. I decide that this should not be a selfish move on my part. It’s meant to be shared: a receiving and then a giving.
FAITHFUL LOVER
The moon came to me last night with a sweet question. She said, “The sun has been my faithful lover for millions of years. Whenever I offer my body to him brilliant light pours from his heart. Thousands then notice my happiness and delight in pointing toward my beauty. Hafiz, is it true that our destiny is to turn into Light Itself?” And I replied, Dear Moon, now that your love is maturing, we need to sit together close like this more often so I might instruct you how to become Who you Are! - Hafiz
I challenge myself to take up the practice of Sun Salutation. To engage my own sort of photosynthesis– transforming that which I receive into something I can give away as nourishment for others. Reader, perhaps you feel led to get up early for Sun Salutations too– to receive and give of the sun’s transformative energy. Thanks be to God!
Reflection inspired by an old soul and Texas Sun by Khruangbin and Leon Bridges.
Beautiful meditation!