Winter Solstice 108 Sun Salutations

Dec 21

Today I had an opportunity to attend a practice of 108 Sun Salutations at Sutra Studios in Phoenix. The class was absolutely amazing and we even had a DJ to play some great tunes for the practice.

Why do we do 108 sun salutations in yoga for the winter solstice?
The practice of completing 108 sun salutations on the winter solstice holds profound significance in the realm of yoga. During this time, yogis often gather to celebrate the changing of seasons and pay homage to the winter solstice.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the Earth's axis leans farthest away from the sun, resulting in a limited duration of daylight. Symbolically, the winter solstice represents a transition from darkness to light, as the days progressively grow longer, indicating the impending return of warmth and illumination.
To commemorate this celestial event, yoga practitioners partake in the ancient tradition of performing 108 sun salutations. The number 108 is widely regarded as sacred and revered in yoga philosophy. It holds deep spiritual significance and is believed to represent the universe's wholeness.

The practice of 108 sun salutations is considered an intense and transformational journey. It is a physical, mental, and spiritual practice that invites us to embrace change and release what no longer serves us. Each sun salutation is a sequence of asanas (poses) that flow continuously, syncopating movement and breath.
Completing 108 sun salutations allows us to create a powerful energetic shift within ourselves. It signifies letting go of the darkness and limitations that may have accumulated throughout the year and stepping into the light and potential of a new cycle. The repetition of this dynamic practice brings strength, vitality, and a heightened sense of awareness.
Through this ritual, we acknowledge and honor the cycles of nature and our interconnectedness with the universe. It serves as a reminder to embrace the changing seasons of our lives, finding balance between effort and surrender, darkness and light.

December 21, 2023 is the day of the Winter Solstice. It is a day of reflection, celebration, and renewal, offering an opportunity to turn inward, set intentions, and welcome the gradual return of light. By practicing 108 sun salutations on this auspicious day, we can invite transformation and embrace the boundless potential within ourselves.

Larissa Rzemienski

Larissa Rzemienski began her yoga journey to heal following the loss of her spouse at a young age. As she dove deeper into her yoga practice, she decided to embark on the journey to become a certified yoga teacher. In 2015 she completed her 200-hour teacher training through LifePower in Tempe, Arizona. In 2019, she completed her 300-hour teacher training through Urban Yoga in Phoenix, Arizona. In addition, Larissa has certifications in Yoga Nidra, Yin Yoga, Meditation, Restorative Yoga, and as a Sound Practitioner. Larissa has also led several yoga teacher training programs for 200 and 300 hour students.

Larissa creates yoga offerings, yoga sequences, and classes that are unique and specialized for all her clients. She weaves in creativity through all her classes and loves learning more about yoga philosophy and yoga sutras. Larissa has served as the local lululemon store ambassador for the past several years and has offered large community events and in-store events for the lululemon community.

Outside of teaching yoga, Larissa is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified School Guidance Counselor for Grades K-12. She is a telehealth counselor and teaches college courses in counseling and mental health. Larissa has a Master of Counseling degree, M.B.A. in Marketing, and Ed.S. in Leadership.

Larissa also serves as a Wish Granter for Make a Wish Arizona.