Doing anything 108 times might sound a bit repetitive and simple, but sometimes simple things can also be the most challenging. I experienced this first hand during our Global Mala event yesterday. It was a lot of fun, but boy am I sore right now!
There is significance in the number 108 in Hindu tradition, where it is deemed a highly auspicious number for a number of reasons. Japa Mala’s (which have become a fashion accessory for many nowadays) are formed with 108 beads. Many deities are referred to as having 108 names. The actual number is also thought to mathematically embody such precision and symmetry as if to embody a divine sense of order.
In support of the Global Mala Project, I attended an event in Seattle, with Kirtan on Friday evening and a group yoga practice featuring 108 Sun Salutations on Saturday. Sun Salutations are a staple of most asana yoga practices (aside from Bikram Yoga, which does not practice them).
Sun Sulations are a series of postures performed in a fluid manner, and linked to the breath. They are meant to awaken the body, and prepare it for more advanced asanas later in a practice, or for meditation. In fact, they can also be calming to the body when done slowly. Within the basic structure for Sun Salutations (Mountain Pose, Plank, Low Plank, Upward Dog, Downward Dog) there can be numerous variations.
You can hold certain poses longer or shorter or even incorporate lunges into the mix, moving into Warrior I, II or Lunges. There are infinite variations that can be made. Usually a 90-minute Vinyasa class will incorporate at least a half-dozen of them to warm up the body before moving on. I had never done 108 of them before (or even come close to), until yesterday!
It took about 2 hours. I was feeling great for the first 50 or so. Leaping back to Low-Plank directly from Forward Bend and floating back to my hands from Downward Dog. Slowly but surely, I started to feel it and started managing my energy more carefully.
For our 108, we had different teachers lead rounds of 10 Salutations, each put their own flavor on them and chose their own musical soundtrack (or no music at all). At the end of each one, we raised out hands overhead and clapped while calling aloud the number. This really helped to keep the energy level high. I will say that there is a lot of strength that comes from practicing with a group. It helps to get you out of your head and stay motivated.
By the time we reached 80, I was walking up to my hands (not floating) and moving more slowly into Low-Plank. I was really attentive to each Salutation. It was interesting to see how such a basic sequence of postures could become so challenging, but also rewarding to know that I was moving towards a goal that was within my limits and surrounded by others (around the world) doing the same thing.
Today (the day after), I am definitely sore (in unexpected places!).
I will never think of Sun Salutations the same way again.
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