This year at the start of winter I found myself staring into the sun in the morning. It was like something I have never experienced or taken notice of before. I started to crave it each morning and when the sun wasn't out then came out I would find myself taking my glasses to stare into the morning sun.
It made me feel soooo revitalised, and like my soul was being fed. I'd heard of sun gazing before but never looked into it and thought there is definitely something about this because of the way it made me feel. So here it is:
The practice of sun gazing has diverse cultural and historical roots, spanning across different civilisations and time periods. Here is a brief overview of its history:
Ancient Civilizations: The ancient Egyptians, Aztecs, Mayans, and various indigenous cultures incorporated sun worship into their belief systems. They considered the sun a source of life and power, and gazed at the rising or setting sun during specific rituals and ceremonies.
Egyptian Sun Worship: The ancient Egyptians had a particular reverence for the sun god, Ra. They believed that gazing at the sun could connect them to the divine and impart spiritual and healing benefits.
Yogic Traditions: In yogic practices, sun gazing is associated with the Kundalini power, where energy flows through the body's chakra system. Yogis practiced sun gazing as a form of meditation and believed it could enhance focus, awareness, and spiritual growth.
Solar Cults: Throughout history, solar cults and societies emerged, such as the Mithraic Mysteries in ancient Rome. These groups often incorporated sun gazing as part of their rituals and spiritual practices.
Hira Ratan Manek: In modern times, Hira Ratan Manek, also known as HRM, popularized the concept of sun gazing. Originally from India, HRM claims to have sustained himself by absorbing solar energy alone. He garnered attention and interest in sun gazing as a potential practice for nourishing the body.
Here's some of the benefits and why it makes you feel so good:
1. Vitamin D: Exposure to sunlight stimulates the production of Vitamin D in our bodies, which is crucial for bone health, immunity, and overall well-being.
2. Improved Mood: Sunlight triggers the release of serotonin in the brain, which can boost mood, improve mental clarity, and reduce symptoms of depression.
3. Enhanced Circadian Rhythm: Sun gazing in the morning can help reset and regulate your body's internal clock, promoting better sleep and overall energy levels throughout the day.
4. Eye Health: Gently and safely sun gazing for a short period each morning can help strengthen the eye muscles and improve eye health.
When it comes to sun gazing, it's essential to proceed with caution to protect your eyes. Follow these instructions:
1. Choose the Right Time: It is generally recommended to sun gaze either during the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. During these times, the sun's intensity is lower, reducing the risk of eye damage.
2. Find a Safe and Comfortable Spot: Select an open space with an unobstructed view of the horizon. Position yourself in a comfortable spot, preferably on bare ground or grass.
3. Start Gradually: Begin by standing or sitting with your bare feet planted on the ground. Face the sun and gently look toward it without directly staring into it. Initially, start with just a few seconds, gradually increasing the duration as you feel more comfortable.
4. Use Protective Measures: If you decide to practice sun gazing for longer periods, consider wearing protective eyewear designed to filter out harmful UV rays. Sunglasses with high UV protection are a sensible choice.
Note: Directly gazing at the sun can pose danger to the eyes if proper precautions are not taken. So take your own precautions with this but I'd recommend trying this and you can make your own decision, even if only for 5 secs, because it feels soooo good.
This is one way I EMBRACE the morning. I pair this with our EMBRACE the morning Mamaku + Jasmine Spray and I'm set to go on my way to a good day!