Ashtanga Yoga Groningen

This is the time of year when many of us are craving sunshine. It’s normal to feel lower energy during the winter months, but even now, we can draw from the energy and life-giving force of our nearby star. Today, I want to share a powerful meditation to bring some light into your day—because even when you can’t see it directly, the sun is always shining.

Though chanting the Gayatri Mantra won’t directly increase vitamin D levels, this ritual connects us to the essence of the sun—the source of light, warmth, and life.

The Meditation:

1. Prepare Your Practice SpaceThis meditation is versatile—you can practice it in formal sitting meditation, while walking, or even while biking in the morning. I often chant the mantra while riding my bike and gazing toward the sun (even when it’s hidden behind clouds).
2. Set Your IntentionThe Gayatri Mantra has many layers of meaning, but it helps to focus on qualities associated with the sun, such as warmth, vitality, clarity, and energy. Reflect on what resonates with you and allow these qualities to guide your practice.
3. Chant the Gayatri MantraThe Gayatri Mantra is one of the most revered Vedic hymns, invoking the energy of light and wisdom. If you’re unfamiliar with it, I recommend chanting along with Ravi Shankar’s inspiring recording for guidance.
   
   Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah
   Tat Savitur Varenyam
   Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
   Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
   
4. Visualize Energy AbsorptionAs you chant, imagine light surrounding you and filling every cell of your body with golden warmth. Visualize this energy renewing your strength, clarity, and vitality.
5. Close with GratitudeEnd your practice by reflecting on what you’re grateful for. Gratitude helps shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant, bringing more light into your life.

About the Gayatri

The Gayatri Mantra is a timeless verse for the sun, both external and internal. It seeks illumination, wisdom, and guidance, invoking the divine light to dispel darkness and bring clarity to our lives.

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात्

ॐ भूर्भुवः स्वः (Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah):

Om, the essence of the Earth (Bhur), the atmosphere (Bhuvah), and the heavens (Svah).

तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं (Tat Savitur Varenyam):

That supreme light of the Divine Sun, the ultimate source of all life, which is most excellent and worthy of worship.

भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि (Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi):

We meditate upon the radiant brilliance of the divine truth and wisdom.

धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात् (Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat):

May this light illuminate and inspire our intellect and understanding.

This weeks classes at ashtanga yoga groningen

• Monday–Friday Ashtanga & Mysore: 07:15–08:45 at Plaza Sportiva.
• Wednesday Semi-Private Lesson: 10:00 – 2 spots available!If you’d like to join, reply to this email or send me a message, and I’ll add you to the WhatsApp group for details.

Do you enjoy articles about meditation and the esoteric aspects of yoga? Let me know—I’d love your feedback.