Summer Solstice

Yoga for Midsummer celebrations

Today is the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a moment celebrated across many traditions as a turning point: a time of light, abundance, vitality and gratitude.

This year, the Summer Solstice also coincides with International Yoga Day, making it a beautiful opportunity to honour the Sun through yoga practice.

This morning in the Online Yoga Studio we honoured the Sun with variations of the Sun Salutation or Surya Namaskar. Rather than focusing on creating heat or intensity, we practised with awareness of the more subtle qualities of solar energy - Tejas.

In Ayurveda, Tejas is often described as the refined essence of fire. It is clarity, discernment, illumination and insight. While the summer season can encourage us to do more, move faster and push harder, Tejas invites us to shine with wisdom rather than burn ourselves out.

Through gentle flowing sequences, heart-opening postures and cooling pranayama, we used movement as a way to honour both the outer sun and the inner light that guides us. We use this inner and outer light as Saluting, honouring, and creating a ritual for the Sun and its life-giving, warming, glowing and radiant energy.

This practice is available inside the Online Yoga Studio (and below), alongside hundreds of recorded classes ranging from nourishing flows and relaxing or restorative yoga to shorter practices for busy days. Members can also join our live Zoom classes each week, with every session recorded so you can practise whenever it suits you.

If you'd like to celebrate the season with yoga, mindful movement and a supportive online community, I'd love to welcome you inside.