Simple Sun Salutations: Greeting the Moment
Our second offering in this summertime series is a gentle and uplifting movement practice using a chair: Simple Sun Salutations.
This short video was recorded on a hot, golden day — one of those days when I needed a practice that wasn’t too much (and definitely not too sweaty or sticky in the midday heat!), but I also didn’t want to feel sluggish. I needed to move, to breathe, to connect with myself. This beginner-friendly, seated practice strikes a balance I hope you’ll find both soothing and energising.
This time of year can feel expansive and overwhelming all at once — with long days, full to-do lists, and the sensory feast of summer in full swing. With all this doing, time can seem to speed up. And even with extra daylight at our disposal, we may find ourselves rushing around!
The great thing about yoga is that it meets us exactly where we are. We don’t need an hour-long mat practice to “do” yoga. For me, it often begins with just a few rounds of this seated version of Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), perched on the edge of my bed — gradually rising to standing as a way to greet the day, and greet myself.
Maybe you’d like to try it too — and let me know how you get on!
Simple Sun Salutations is a moving meditation. It takes the spine through flexion, neutral and extension, opens the chest, and mobilises the shoulders. It’s a short sequence that you can return to again and again to bring yourself back into your body, connect with the world around you, and gently welcome whatever’s showing up for you.
In this video, you’ll be guided to:
🌤️ Move with awareness, tuning into what feels good in your body
🌀 Slow down and breathe with your movement
🧘♀️ Reconnect with a sense of steadiness and openness within
The beauty of this sequence lies in its simplicity — just a few mindful minutes of movement to help you feel more like you.
To begin:
Find a chair or seat where your feet can comfortably touch the floor. No extra props needed, but feel free to adjust or adapt the sequence in any way that supports your body. Press play, learn the sequence, and take a few rounds whenever you like — morning, midday, or whenever you need a mindful pause.
I hope this practice helps you meet the day — and meet yourself — with a little more ease, warmth, and steadiness, wherever your summer takes you.