SHINE BRIGHTER THAN EVER! 3 WAYS TO TAP INTO THE SUMMER SOLSTICE ENERGY TO ACTIVATE YOUR MOST RADIANT SELF

WRITTEN BY REBECCA MANANKIL, MOVEMENT EDUCATOR AT THE AURA HOUSE

It’s finally here! We’re braved it through the long Canadian winter (make that plural, winters, because we all know that up here it can go from spring back to snow within a week up until May 24 long weekend) and the days are warmer, longer and just lovelier. Summer is upon us and makes us forget about -20 as we venture in to +30s. This past Wednesday, June 21 marked the first day of Summer and the auspicious Summer Solstice.

What is the significance of this day? As spring ends and summer begins, the days are longer, nights are shorter, and the natural world is full of life. The Summer Solstice is the day with the longest period of sunlight in the Northern Hemisphere and symbolizes ascension and the rebirth or return of the light on our planet and within each one of us on a spiritual level. Traditionally communities celebrated renewal, life, fertility, the potential for a good harvest, inner & outer abundance, ascension and the complete return of the sun’s light on the summer solstice.

As the sun begins to feel warmer, it’s the best time of the year to cultivate the light that shines within us. Here are some easy ways to tap into the power of the solstice to shine brighter than you ever have this summer and beyond!

1. Eat yellow foods to energize your Solar Plexus Chakra

The chakras are conductors within our energetic bodies, which hold certain sets of beliefs and systems in relation to our human experience. The third chakra, our Solar Plexus Chakra, relates to our confidence, identity, building a healthy ego and is all about personal power and transformation. With the summertime being the time of year which we get the most sun, you can align this with the chakra that shares its namesake to activate this vibrant energy in you.

According to Registered Dietician, Delilah Bisase, Yellow is the color that resonates with this chakra. It’s no coincidence that this chakra resonates with the same colour of the sun, because it’s that radiant, masculine, and powerful sun-like energy which the solar plexus brings to the forefront. So, feed it with yellow foods! This includes yellow colored fruits and vegetables such as pineapple, mango, yellow squash, yellow bell peppers, banana, and yellow split peas.

Here’s a great recipe for a solar plexus smoothie that will help you bring some balance into your internal sunshine conductor:

SOLAR PLEXUS SMOOTHIE

•  ½ cup of fresh or frozen pineapple

• ½ cup of mango chunks

• ½ inch cube of fresh ginger

• ½ banana

• ½ tsp of Tumeric

• 1 cup of coconut water or water or milk of your choice

• 1 handful of ice

• Honey or preferred sweetener to taste

Put all the ingredients in a blender to combine. Add more liquid to reach desired consistency. Enjoy!

2. Try this yoga pose to awaken your core and drive up your confidence

This year, the Summer Solstice aligned with the International Day of Yoga. A great way to activate your radiant self is by exploring movement through Purvottanasana, also known as upwards plank pose. The Sanskrit name Purvottanasana means “Intense East Stretch”. The name refers to the traditional way of practice in India which was always towards the East. However, the symbology of “east” can be taken further. In Hindusm, the east represents the front of your body and just like the sun rises every morning in the east – your “east side” is lifting towards the sky in this pose. The east also symbolizes new beginnings and our potential, which is one of the intentions you can set when you’re practicing the pose.

PHOTOGRAPHER: BIANCA BOSWELL https://www.biancaboswell.com/

HOW TO GET INTO IT:

1. Sit on the floor with your arms by your sides and your legs extended in front of you, in Staff Pose.

2. Bring your palms slightly behind your hips and face your fingertips towards your feet.

3. Keep your big toes together and your heels slightly apart. Flex your feet.

4. Draw your shoulder blades towards each other and open your heart. Now point your toes, so the big toes are touching the ground.

5. Press your palms and feet firmly into the ground and lift your hips off the ground.

6. If you feel comfortable, you can slightly drop your head back.

7. Hold the pose for 5 deep breaths, or around 30 seconds, then release.

3. Energize your mind, body and spirit with sun gazing

Sun gazing is a meditative technique where you look at the sun during off-peak times. While the UV rays from the sun can sometimes do more bad than good, the key is participating in this practice at intentional times - 30 minutes during sunrise and 30 minutes before sunset. If you happen to stare at the sun when the UV index is higher, you risk damaging your eyes. Here are some tips on how to safely sun gaze from www.blueblocklight.com

PREPARE YOUR SCHEDULE

Schedule sun gazing within 30 minutes during sunrise and another 30 minutes before sunset. During these times the UV index is at its lowest level. Thus, it is safe for the eyes to stare at the sun. They are also ideal to start and end your day right. Make sure you engage in the practice only once or twice a week.

PICK YOUR SPOT WISELy

Choose an ideal spot where you are in a direct hit of the sun's rays. You can go to an open area or a higher ground. But we would stay away from the roof.

If possible, do it on the beach, on a grass plain, or anywhere with soil ground. Some sun gazers believe that being barefooted can make the result more effective as you are more connected to nature.

DON’T WEAR GLASSES

Standing in an open area where you can have a better view of the sun is not enough if you do sun gazing while wearing eyeglasses or a contact lens. The glass or the lens may filter the sun's rays. In the same way, make sure you are not also behind any window glass panes.

Sungazing requires direct eye contact with the sun, so make sure nothing will block off your vision.

TIME YOUR GAZE PROPERLY

If it is your first time sun gazing, stare into the sun for at least 10 seconds. Over time, you can increase your time by 10 to 15 minutes. Just make sure you are not exceeding 30 minutes. If you pass the sunrise, the UV index will increase; whilst at sunset, there is not enough light to gaze at.

Again, do not sun gaze in the middle of the day.

CHANGE YOUR ANGLE IF IT’S TOO BRIGHT

As soon as you stare at the sun and you find it too bright, you can change your focus to it by 15 degrees on either side. If you feel that your eyes are slowly adjusting to the brightness, you can slowly focus on the sun again. You should also relax and blink from time to time to avoid getting your eyes strained.

In case it is cloudy, and the sun is hiding, you can still practice sun gazing. Try to locate the position of the sun where it is hiding behind the clouds and stare at it. The benefits you will receive will remain the same.

BREATHE

Sungazing is also a form of meditation. As you practice it, you can also try to clear your mind and focus on your breathing pattern at the same time. In this way, you can maximize the benefits you can receive from the sun's energy.

We have a lot of fun and exciting events happening this summer at The Aura House; located in The Old Shoe Factory in Downtown Brampton, so be sure to check our in studio events, trainings and yoga, pilates & movement classes near you via our WellnessLiving schedule.

Hope to see you soon in the studio – come home to yourself, at The Aura House.