Day 4: Salute to the Sun | Weekly Yoga Classes

Guide students to a comfortable seated position on the mat, eyes closed. If possible, have the class face the direction of the Sun. If indoors, invite students to simply imagine the Sun's presence ahead of them.

"Close your eyes. Sit tall. Feel the warmth on your face -- real or imagined.

In the yoga tradition, the Sun -- Surya -- is considered the first and original Guru. The word 'Guru' means 'remover of darkness.' 'Gu' is darkness, 'Ru' is the one who removes it. And what removes darkness better than the Sun?

Think about this: every single morning, without fail, the Sun rises. No one asks it to. No one pays it. No one thanks it. And yet it gives -- light, warmth, energy -- to every living being equally. The trees, the animals, the rivers, the rich, the poor -- the Sun does not discriminate. It simply shines.

Today's practice is a devotional offering to that selfless energy. Every movement we make will be a Namaskar -- a salutation -- to the source that sustains all life.

Set a quiet intention for yourself: Like the Sun, I give without expecting return.

Let us begin with three deep breaths. With each inhale, imagine drawing in warm, golden light -- the light of the Sun filling your chest, your belly, your whole body."

Breath 1: Inhale deeply through the nose -- draw in warm golden light (4 counts)... Exhale slowly -- release anything heavy (6 counts).

Breath 2: Inhale -- golden light fills the chest and belly (4 counts)... Exhale -- let the body soften (6 counts).

Breath 3: Inhale -- the whole body glows with warmth (4 counts)... Exhale through the nose -- settle into stillness (6 counts).

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a) Ardha Chakrasana / अर्ध चक्रासन (Standing Back Bend / Half Wheel Pose)

Story: Before we salute the Sun, we open the front of the body to receive its light. Ardha Chakrasana arches the body backward like the first rays of dawn bending over the horizon. The word "Chakra" means wheel -- and the wheel represents the cycle of the Sun: rising, setting, and rising again. Every backbend is an act of openness and courage. We expose the heart, the throat, the belly -- the most vulnerable parts of us -- to the sky. This is how we prepare to receive.

Instructions

Stand in Tadasana at the front of your mat, feet together or hip-width apart.
Place both hands on your lower back, fingers pointing downward, palms pressing gently into the sacrum for support.
Inhale deeply and begin to lift the chest toward the sky, drawing the shoulder blades together behind you.
Gently arch backward from the upper back. The hips press slightly forward to counterbalance.
Keep the knees firm but not locked -- a micro-bend is fine.
Let the head follow the natural curve of the spine gently. Do not drop the head back sharply.
Feel the stretch across the front of the body -- chest, belly, hip flexors.
Breathe steadily for 3-4 breaths in the hold.
To come out: exhale and slowly return to standing upright, bringing the head up last.

Breath Work

Inhale deeply as you arch back -- this naturally opens the chest and allows a fuller, more expansive breath.
Breathe steadily for 3-4 full breaths in the hold.
Exhale to return to standing.

Hold: 15-20 seconds.

Modification: Keep the backbend very gentle -- even a small lift of the chest is enough. Only go as far as is comfortable. Hands stay firmly pressed into the lower back for support at all times. If there is any sharp sensation in the lower back, reduce the depth immediately.

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b) Tadasana / ताड़ासन (Mountain Pose)

Story: We visited Tadasana on Day 1, where it was the foundation of our grounding practice. Today it means something different. Today, Tadasana represents the stillness before the Sun rises. Imagine the mountain in the last moments of night -- dark, silent, waiting. The mountain has watched the sunrise every single day for millions of years, and it remains unchanged. It does not rush the Sun. It does not fidget. It simply stands. Before the flowing sequence of Surya Namaskar, we find this moment of absolute stillness. The mountain teaches patience.

Instructions

Stand at the front of your mat, feet together with big toes touching, or hip-width apart for more stability.
Distribute your weight evenly across all four corners of each foot -- the base of the big toe, the base of the little toe, the inner heel, and the outer heel.
Engage the thigh muscles slightly by lifting the kneecaps. Do not lock the knees.
Keep the tailbone neutral -- neither tucking nor tilting.
Open the chest by rolling the shoulders back and down.
Let the arms rest by your sides, palms facing forward in a gesture of receptivity.
Reach the crown of the head toward the sky. The chin is level.
Soften the face, the jaw, the eyes behind closed lids.
Be completely still. The mountain before dawn.

Breath Work

Inhale and feel yourself grow taller, as though the rising Sun is pulling you upward.
Exhale and feel your feet root deeper into the earth.
5 full breaths -- each one slow, deliberate, and steady.

Hold: 30 seconds to 1 minute.

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c) Baddha Konasana / बद्ध कोणासन (Butterfly Pose / Bound Angle Pose)

Story: The butterfly emerges from its cocoon and spreads its wings in the morning sun. It does not fly immediately -- first it sits, opens and closes its wings slowly, warming them, drying them, preparing them for flight. Baddha Konasana opens the hips and inner thighs -- areas where we hold deep tension from sitting, driving, and daily life. As we prepare for the flowing movement of Surya Namaskar, we need freedom in the hips to allow the lunges, the folds, and the transitions to move with ease. The gentle fluttering of the knees up and down resembles that butterfly warming its wings before its first flight of the day.

Instructions

Come to a seated position on the mat. Sit tall with your spine long.
Bend both knees and bring the soles of your feet together, drawing the heels in toward your pelvis as close as is comfortable.
Hold your feet with both hands, wrapping the fingers around the toes or holding the ankles.
Let the knees drop open to the sides, like the wings of a butterfly.
Dynamic warm-up: Gently flutter the knees up and down -- a soft, rhythmic bouncing motion. This is not forceful. Think of a butterfly's wings, not a jackhammer. Continue for about 1 minute.
Still hold: After fluttering, let the knees settle at their lowest comfortable point. Sit tall. Hold still for 30 seconds.
To release: Use your hands to gently bring the knees together. Extend the legs forward and shake them out.

Breath Work

During fluttering: Breathe naturally and steadily. Let the movement be easy.
During still hold: Inhale to lengthen the spine upward. Exhale to gently allow the knees to drop closer to the floor. Never force the knees down with the hands or elbows.

Duration: ~1 minute fluttering + ~30 seconds still hold.

Modification: Sit on a folded blanket to elevate the hips -- this immediately reduces strain on the inner thighs. Place yoga blocks or folded towels under each knee for support, so the legs can rest rather than hang in space.

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a) Surya Namaskar / सूर्य नमस्कार (Sun Salutation)

Story: Surya Namaskar is traditionally performed at sunrise, facing east, as a devotional offering to the Sun. This is not merely exercise -- it is prayer in motion. Each of the 12 positions in the sequence corresponds to one of the 12 names of the Sun God, called the Surya Mantras. Together, these 12 names describe the Sun's qualities: friend, nurturer, illuminator, giver of strength, source of enlightenment.

The practice combines forward bends, backbends, and inversions in one single, flowing cycle. It is often called "a complete practice in itself" because it stretches and strengthens every major muscle group, massages the internal organs, regulates the breath, and focuses the mind. When performed with breath awareness and devotion, Surya Namaskar transforms from physical exercise into moving meditation -- each posture a word, each breath a syllable, the whole sequence a prayer spoken by the body.

We will learn the 12 positions, then flow through multiple rounds.

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Mantra: Om Mitraya Namah -- Salutations to the friend of all.

Breath: Exhale completely.

Instructions

Stand at the front of your mat with your feet together.
Bring the palms together at the center of the chest in Anjali Mudra (prayer position).
Close the eyes. Stand tall. Feel both feet grounded.
Exhale completely and empty the lungs -- this is the starting point, the moment of stillness before the salutation begins.
Set your intention: you are offering this round to the Sun.

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Mantra: Om Ravaye Namah -- Salutations to the shining one.

Instructions

Inhale and sweep the arms up overhead, reaching toward the sky.
Arch the upper back slightly, lifting the chest and gently looking up toward the hands.
Keep the biceps close to the ears. The arms are straight but not rigid.
Stretch from the fingertips all the way down to the heels -- the whole front body opens.
The hips press gently forward to support the mild backbend.

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Mantra: Om Suryaya Namah -- Salutations to the one who induces activity.

Instructions

Exhale and fold forward from the hips, sweeping the arms down.
Bring the hands to the floor beside the feet. If the hands do not reach the floor, bend the knees as much as needed.
Draw the forehead toward the knees (or toward the shins -- wherever it naturally falls).
Keep the spine as long as possible. The fold comes from the hips, not from rounding the upper back.
The weight shifts slightly forward into the balls of the feet.

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Mantra: Om Bhanave Namah -- Salutations to the one who illumines.

Instructions

Inhale and step the right leg back into a long lunge.
Lower the right knee to the floor. The top of the right foot can rest on the mat.
The left foot stays between the hands, left knee directly above the left ankle.
Press the hips forward and down to deepen the stretch in the right hip flexor.
Lift the chest, look up. The spine arches gently.
Fingertips stay on the floor on either side of the left foot for support.

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Mantra: Om Khagaya Namah -- Salutations to the one who moves through the sky.

Breath: Hold the breath (or exhale if holding is uncomfortable).

Instructions

From the lunge, step the left foot back to meet the right foot.
The body is now in a straight line from the crown of the head to the heels -- like a plank of wood.
Hands are directly under the shoulders, fingers spread wide, pressing firmly into the mat.
Engage the core -- draw the navel toward the spine. Do not let the hips sag or pike up.
The gaze is slightly ahead of the fingertips, neck in line with the spine.
Hold firm. The body is one straight, strong line.

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Mantra: Om Pushne Namah -- Salutations to the giver of strength.

Instructions

Exhale and lower the knees to the floor first.
Then lower the chest and chin to the floor.
The hips stay slightly raised off the ground.
Eight points of the body touch the floor: 2 feet, 2 knees, 2 palms, the chest, and the chin. This is why it is called "Ashtanga" (eight-limbed) Namaskar.
The elbows stay close to the body, pointing back and up.
This is a moment of complete surrender -- the body bows to the earth with eight points of contact.

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Mantra: Om Hiranya Garbhaya Namah -- Salutations to the golden cosmic self.

Instructions

Inhale and slide the body forward along the mat.
Lift the chest into Cobra Pose, straightening the arms partially (elbows stay slightly bent).
The shoulders draw back and down, away from the ears.
The hips, thighs, and tops of the feet stay on the mat.
The gaze lifts gently upward. The neck follows the natural curve of the spine -- do not crank the head back.
Feel the front body open -- chest broad, heart lifted.

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Mantra: Om Marichaye Namah -- Salutations to the lord of the dawn.

Instructions

Exhale, tuck the toes under, and lift the hips up and back.
The body forms an inverted V shape.
Press the palms firmly into the mat, fingers spread wide. The hands are shoulder-width apart.
Press the heels toward the floor -- they do not need to touch.
The head hangs freely between the upper arms. The ears are in line with the inner biceps.
Lengthen the spine from tailbone to crown. The sitting bones reach toward the sky.
Engage the thighs. Draw the belly gently in.

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Mantra: Om Adityaya Namah -- Salutations to the son of Aditi.

Instructions

Inhale and step the right foot forward between the hands (this is the same leg that went back first in Position 4).
Lower the left knee to the floor.
The right knee is directly above the right ankle.
Press the hips forward and down.
Lift the chest and look up, opening through the front body.
This mirrors Position 4 in reverse -- the Sun's cycle coming back around.

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Mantra: Om Savitre Namah -- Salutations to the stimulating power of the Sun.

Instructions

Exhale and step the left foot forward to meet the right foot.
Fold forward, bringing the forehead toward the knees.
Hands rest on the floor beside the feet (bend knees if needed).
This mirrors Position 3 -- the Sun bows toward the horizon on its return journey.

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Mantra: Om Arkaya Namah -- Salutations to the one who is worthy of praise.

Instructions

Inhale and rise up with a flat back, sweeping the arms overhead.
Arch the upper back slightly and look up toward the hands.
The chest opens, the whole front body stretches.
This mirrors Position 2 -- the Sun has completed its arc.

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Mantra: Om Bhaskaraya Namah -- Salutations to the one who leads to enlightenment.

Instructions

Exhale and bring the palms together at the heart center.
Stand tall. Close the eyes.
One complete round of Surya Namaskar is finished.
Feel the breath. Feel the body. This is the moment of completion and gratitude.

Note: This completes one HALF round (right side). For a full round, repeat the entire sequence stepping the LEFT leg back in Position 4 and bringing the LEFT foot forward in Position 9. One full round = right side + left side.

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Round 1 -- Learning (slow and deliberate):

The teacher calls out each position by name, the breath cue, and a brief instruction.
Hold each position for 2-3 breaths so students can feel the alignment.
Pause between positions. There is no rush. This is the foundation.

Breath Work

One breath per position. The teacher still guides every transition.
Inhale -- open, extend, lift. Exhale -- fold, lower, release. Students begin to feel the rhythm.

Round 3 -- Flowing:

Normal pace. Breath leads the movement. The teacher guides lightly, calling position names or mantras.
Students begin to find their own rhythm. The body starts to remember.

Rounds 4-5 (optional, for students who are ready):

Slightly faster pace, building heat and internal fire.
The teacher calls only the mantras: "Om Mitraya Namah... Om Ravaye Namah..."
The sequence becomes a moving meditation -- no thinking, only breathing and flowing.

After the final round:

Return to Tadasana at the front of the mat.
Close the eyes. Arms by the sides.
Stand completely still for 30 seconds.
Feel the energy flowing through the body -- the warmth, the aliveness, the pulse of the practice. This is Prana. This is the Sun's gift moving through you.

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Modification

Position 6 (Ashtanga Namaskar): Instead of the 8-point balance with hips raised, simply lower the entire body all the way to the floor from Plank. This is perfectly valid and much more accessible.
Position 8 (Downward Dog): Keep the knees bent generously. The priority is a long spine, not straight legs. Heels may be far from the floor -- that is fine.
Breathing: Take extra breaths wherever needed. If you lose the breath pattern, pause, take a full breath, and rejoin the sequence. The breath matters more than the speed.
Pace: There is absolutely no requirement to keep up with faster students. One slow, mindful round is worth more than five rushed rounds.

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b) Utkatasana / उत्कटासन (Chair Pose)

Story: We met Utkatasana on Day 1 as a pose of fierce determination. Today it means something different. Today, Utkatasana connects to the solar plexus -- the Manipura Chakra -- which is the body's fire center, located behind the navel. The Sun's energy lives in our core. After the flowing heat of Surya Namaskar, we stoke that fire even further. Utkatasana activates what the yogis call Agni -- the digestive fire, the fire of transformation. It is the same fire that the Sun provides to ripen fruits and grow crops. That fire also lives inside us. Here, we cultivate it deliberately.

Instructions

Stand in Tadasana, feet together, arms by the sides.
Inhale and raise the arms overhead, biceps alongside the ears, palms facing each other.
Exhale and bend the knees deeply, sitting back and down as if lowering into an invisible chair.
Keep the weight in the heels -- you should be able to wiggle the toes.
The knees stay behind the toes (or in line with them). The shins aim toward vertical.
The chest lifts and stays as upright as possible. Resist the urge to lean too far forward.
Draw the tailbone down. Engage the core firmly -- the Manipura Chakra is alive.
The thighs burn. This is Agni. Stay with it.
Hold firm. Breathe.
To release: Inhale, straighten the legs, and stand tall. Exhale, lower the arms.

Breath Work

Inhale as the arms rise. Exhale as you sink deeper into the pose.
In the hold: Breathe powerfully. Use Ujjayi breath here if comfortable -- a gentle constriction at the back of the throat that creates an audible, ocean-like breath.
Each inhale stokes the fire. Each exhale channels it.
Do not hold the breath. Keep it flowing, steady, and strong.

Hold: 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Modification: Do not sit as deep -- even a slight bend in the knees activates the legs and core. Hands can come to the heart center in prayer position instead of overhead, reducing the demand on the shoulders.

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c) Padahastasana / पादहस्तासन (Hand-to-Foot Pose)

Story: We practiced Padahastasana on Day 1 as a forward fold of surrender. Today it appears in a new light -- as an extension of Surya Namaskar. Positions 3 and 10 of the Sun Salutation are both Padahastasana, but in the flow we moved through them quickly. Now we hold it longer, going deeper. The Sun bows to the horizon every evening -- and it is not diminished by bowing. It does not become less by going low. In yoga, bowing to the earth -- Pranam -- is an act of gratitude, not submission. The deeper we bow, the more we honor what supports us.

Instructions

Stand tall in Tadasana.
Inhale and sweep the arms overhead, lengthening the entire spine.
Exhale and fold forward from the hips -- not from the waist. Lead with the chest, keeping the spine long as you descend.
Slide the hands under the feet so that the palms face upward and the toes rest at the crease of the wrists. This is the full expression of "Hand to Foot."
Draw the forehead toward the shins. The legs are as straight as possible without locking the knees.
Let the weight shift slightly forward into the balls of the feet. The hips stack over the ankles.
Relax the neck and head completely. Let gravity do its work.

Breath Work

Inhale to lengthen the spine slightly -- creating space.
Exhale to fold deeper -- releasing into the space you created.
In the hold: Steady, calm breaths. Imagine the Sun's warmth melting away the tightness in the hamstrings -- slowly, gently, without force.
Each exhale is a release. Each inhale is a renewal.

Hold: 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Modification: Bend the knees generously -- as much as needed to bring the hands to the floor or to the shins. The goal is a long spine and relaxed head, not straight legs. Hands can rest on the shins, on blocks, or simply hang toward the floor.

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d) Ardha Bhujangasana / अर्ध भुजंगासन (Half Cobra Pose)

Story: In the Surya Namaskar sequence, Position 7 is the full Bhujangasana -- the Cobra rising with power. Here we practice the gentler half version as a cool-down from the intensity of the flow. The snake sheds its skin to renew itself -- it does not become a different creature, just a fresher version of what it already was. The Sun, too, "dies" each evening and is "reborn" each morning. It is the same Sun, but new. Ardha Bhujangasana is that gentle rebirth. Not the full, dramatic rising of the Cobra, but the quiet, soft awakening. The eyes barely open. The chest lifts just enough. It is morning, and there is no rush.

Instructions

Lie face down on the mat, legs extended behind you, tops of the feet pressing gently into the floor.
Place the forearms on the mat with the elbows directly under the shoulders. The forearms are parallel to each other.
Spread the fingers and press the palms gently into the mat.
Inhale and gently lift the chest, using the support of the forearms. This is not a muscular push -- it is a soft rising.
Keep the hips, thighs, and legs grounded. The lower body stays heavy and relaxed.
Draw the shoulders away from the ears -- create space in the neck.
The gaze is soft and forward, or slightly upward. The neck stays long.
Feel a gentle stretch across the front of the body -- chest, belly, hip flexors -- without any compression in the lower back.
Exhale and slowly lower the chest back to the mat.

Breath Work

Inhale to gently lift the chest.
Breathe softly and steadily in the hold. This is a restorative backbend -- the breath should be easy, calm, and quiet. If the breath becomes strained, you have lifted too high.
Exhale to lower back down.

Hold: 30 seconds. Rest for a few breaths. Repeat twice (total of 2 holds).

Modification: No modification needed -- this IS the modification of full Cobra. If even this feels too much for the lower back, prop the elbows slightly forward of the shoulders to reduce the arch.

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Gentle Seated Twist -- Ardha Matsyendrasana Variation (~2 minutes)

After the heat and intensity of Surya Namaskar, the spine needs gentle release. Twists wring out tension the way you wring water from a cloth -- compressing and then releasing, allowing fresh blood and Prana to flow into the spine.

Instructions

Sit tall on the mat with both legs extended in front of you.
Bend the right knee and cross the right foot over the left knee, planting the right foot flat on the floor outside the left thigh.
Place the left hand or elbow on the outside of the right knee.
Place the right hand on the floor behind you, fingertips pointing away from the body.
Inhale and lengthen the spine -- grow tall from the base of the spine to the crown of the head.
Exhale and gently twist to the right, using the left hand against the right knee as leverage. The twist comes from the mid and upper back, not from cranking the neck.
Look over the right shoulder if comfortable for the neck. Otherwise, keep the gaze forward.
Hold for 30 seconds, breathing steadily. Inhale to grow taller. Exhale to twist a fraction deeper.
Inhale to gently unwind and return to center.
Repeat on the other side: left foot crosses over right knee, right hand on left knee, left hand behind. Hold for 30 seconds.

Breath: Inhale to create length. Exhale to deepen the twist. Never force. The breath does the work.

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Kapalbhati Pranayama / कपालभाति प्राणायाम (Skull-Shining Breath) (~5 minutes)

Story: "Kapal" means skull. "Bhati" means shining or illuminating. This pranayama literally "makes the skull shine" -- it clears the mind, energizes the body, and burns away mental fog. It is considered a Kriya -- a cleansing technique -- in the Hatha Yoga tradition, not merely a breathing exercise. Just as the Sun clears away the darkness of night each morning, Kapalbhati clears lethargy and dullness from the mind. It stokes the Agni -- that same internal fire we have been building all class through Surya Namaskar. Think of each exhale as a small bellows pumping the fire brighter.

Important Caution (announce before starting): Students with high blood pressure, heart conditions, hernia, acid reflux, or who are pregnant should skip Kapalbhati entirely and instead practice slow, deep breathing while the rest of the class proceeds.

Instructions

Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position. Spine tall. Shoulders relaxed. Hands resting on the knees, palms down or in Gyan Mudra (index finger and thumb touching).
Take 2-3 normal deep breaths to settle in.
Begin Round 1:

Perform a sharp, forceful exhale through the nose by contracting the abdominal muscles sharply inward -- as if you are trying to snap the navel toward the spine.
The inhale happens naturally and passively. Do not force it. When the belly contracts on the exhale, it will automatically relax and draw air in. The inhale is a reflex, not an effort.
Start slowly: 1 exhale per second. Count 20 exhales.

Rest. Release the technique. Take 3 normal, full breaths. Observe the sensations -- tingling, lightness, clarity.
Begin Round 2:

Slightly faster if comfortable. 30 exhales at a steady pace.

Rest. Take 3 normal, full breaths. Close the eyes. Notice the mind becoming clearer with each round.
Begin Round 3:

30 exhales at the same pace as Round 2.

After the final round: Take one deep inhale through the nose, filling the lungs completely. Hold the breath for 5-10 seconds. Then release with a slow, controlled exhale. Sit quietly. Let the hands rest. Let the eyes stay closed. Observe the extraordinary stillness that follows.

Important distinction from Bhastrika (Day 3): In Kapalbhati, only the exhale is active -- the inhale is passive and automatic. In Bhastrika, both the inhale and exhale are forceful and active. These are different techniques with different effects. Do not confuse them.

Teacher's Note

Moving the shoulders up and down instead of isolating the abdominal muscles. The shoulders should be still. Only the belly pumps.
Forcing the inhale. Remind students repeatedly: the inhale is passive. Let it happen. Only the exhale is your effort.
Holding tension in the face and jaw. The face stays soft. Only the belly works.

Demonstrate clearly before beginning. Show the belly pumping on the exhale, and the natural, effortless expansion on the inhale.

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Instructions:

Gently lie down on your back. Extend the legs long, letting the feet fall open to the sides.
Bring the arms slightly away from the body, palms facing up -- a gesture of receiving.
Close the eyes. Let the jaw soften. Let the tongue rest away from the roof of the mouth.
Let every muscle release. There is nothing left to do. No pose to hold. No breath to control. Just be.

Guided Relaxation:

"Feel the warmth of the practice radiating through your body, like the Sun's rays spreading across the sky at dawn.

Let that warmth move through the legs... the hips... the belly... the chest. Feel it in the arms, the hands, the fingertips. Let it soften the muscles of the face. Let it reach the space behind the eyes.

Your body is glowing -- not from effort, but from offering. Every Surya Namaskar you practiced today was not just exercise. It was a salutation. A thank-you. A prayer offered through the body.

The Sun rises every day without fail. It doesn't ask, 'Who deserves my light today?' It shines equally on all. Today you honored that selfless energy with your practice. You moved, you breathed, you bowed, you rose -- again and again -- just as the Sun does.

As you leave this mat, carry one thing with you: the most powerful thing you can do is give without keeping score. Every class we take together, every offering we make to the temple, is like the Sun's rays -- small individually, but together they sustain life. Together they build something greater than any one of us.

Rest now. Let the Sun's warmth hold you."

Allow 1-2 minutes of complete silence.

Gentle Return:

"Begin to deepen the breath. Wiggle the fingers and toes -- small movements first, like the first light of dawn.

Stretch the arms overhead if it feels good. Take a full-body stretch.

Gently roll to your right side. Rest there for a moment in a fetal position -- this is how we are reborn from Shavasana, just as the Sun is reborn each morning.

When you are ready, use your left hand to press yourself up to a seated position. Keep the eyes soft or closed."

Closing:

"Bring the palms together at the heart. Bow the head gently toward the hands.

The light in me honors the light in you -- and together, we are the Sun.

Namaste."

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Day 4 of the Volunteer Yoga Series -- all offerings support the temple expansion.