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The Global Mala is officially happening on the boardwalk in Pier Village – between McLoone’s and Avenue – on Saturday, September 16th (with a rain date of the 17th). All attendees will receive a tote bag as a thank you for attending the event + donating to our charity for 2023: the JBJ Soul Kitchen!
JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit Community Restaurant, run by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, that serves paying and in-need customers. The Soul Kitchen is a place where individuals or families can come to eat a delicious farm-to-table meal in a warm, welcoming setting and meet their neighbors. To date, both of the JBJ restaurant locations have served up over 140,000 meals since opening, with 53% earned by volunteering and 47% paid with donations.
Now for the yoga…
Sun Salutations are a sequence of yoga poses strung together in a consistent movement, typically found in Vinyasa-style yoga. In Sanskrit, Sun Salutations are referred to as “Surya Namaskar” and were traditionally practiced to usher in the new day, hence the name.
In Sanskrit, “Vinyasa” can be translated to mean linking breath with motion in a continuous flow. Thus, Sun Salutations are physically challenging and are an excellent cardiovascular workout.
What Is the Significance of 108?
The number 108 is sacred and significant in many ways, appearing in many disciplines from astronomy to yoga:
The number 108 appears in ancient, sacred texts. For example, there are 108 Upanishads and 108 Tantras
In numerology, 108 equals 9, which symbolizes universal love, eternity and awakening
In Ayurveda, there are 108 sacred points on the body
In astronomy, the distance between the Sun and Earth is roughly 108 times the Sun’s diameter
Mala bead necklaces have 108 beads, which are used to count during meditation
When Do People Practice 108 Sun Salutations?
Sun Salutations can be practiced any time and with any frequency. Traditionally, practicing 108 Sun Salutations is reserved for the change of the seasons + as a way to honor and celebrate the International Day of Peace.
Why Do People Practice 108 Sun Salutations?
It is believed that the fire (internal heat) that you build during this practice is cleansing, detoxifying, and gets you more in touch with yourself.
Move Energy
Sun Salutations heat the body and activate Prana, or upward energy. You’ve probably heard in yoga class that the active parts of class (like a Vinyasa flow) help create and move energy and stuck emotions. The slower parts of class (like hip openers and reclined poses) help release energy and emotions that no longer serve you.
Clear Your Mind
Practicing 108 sun salutations requires a strong will and a single-pointed focus on moving with the breath (and counting!). Once you get into a rhythm with your sun salutation flow, your mental chatter will decrease as your awareness turns inward. This is why it is often called a moving meditation.
Surrender
During 108 Sun Salutations, you will at some point think, “Why did I sign up for this?” If you keep going, you will find a state of ease, and even a sense of flow. You will surrender to the process, acknowledge what arises emotionally, and then let it go. When you finish, you will feel lighter and find meaning in this ancient ritual.
Do I have to do all the Sun Salutes if I sign up for the Mala?
No way! Just come, breathe, and spend time with our community. That’s all that truly matters.
Who’s Teaching?!
Details to come, but our list will include:
Christian + The Wisemen Project leading our morning meditation
Bridget Riepl
Jordan Marciano
Regina Golden
Vanessa Van Noy
