Rooted in Light: A Yogic Perspective on the Summer Solstice
As we approach the Summer Solstice, nature reaches its energetic peak — a moment when the sun lingers longest in the sky, casting warmth and brightness over everything it touches. It’s a time to pause and notice the light, both outside and within. In yoga, we honour this turning point not just with movement, but with reflection, gratitude, and connection to the rhythms of the season.
The solstice invites us to celebrate growth — not just in the natural world, but in ourselves. As the first half of the year culminates, it’s an opportunity to check in: What are you growing towards? What might you release as you move into the second half of the year? Whether through a sun salutation, quiet meditation, or simply stepping outside barefoot in the morning light, this is a time to return to the simple, powerful rituals that root us.
What is the Summer Solstice?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice typically falls between 20th–21st June, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This day brings us the longest hours of daylight, symbolising fullness, abundance, and clarity. In yogic philosophy, the sun is considered a source of vitality (prana), representing energy, transformation, and the fiery element of tapas—the inner drive that fuels change and commitment.
In ancient cultures, the Solstice has long been celebrated as a powerful time to gather, reflect, and give thanks to the natural world. In modern life, it offers a meaningful chance to reconnect with yourself, your path, and the rhythms of nature that often get lost in the rush of daily life.
The Solstice and Yoga: A Moment of Alignment
Yoga encourages us to align with the cycles of the Earth, both physically and energetically. The Solstice is an ideal time to slow down, take stock, and set intentions for the season ahead. It’s also a beautiful moment to practise gratitude, presence and embodiment—all things that we can so easily lose touch with as summer becomes filled with activity, social gatherings, and longer to-do lists.
In yoga, we often honour the sun through Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation. This flowing sequence of postures is both a physical and symbolic salutation to the sun, inviting heat, clarity, and connection to life force energy.
Practising Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
Sun Salutations are a wonderful way to embody the qualities of the sun—strength, openness, energy, and reverence. You don’t need to practise dozens in a row; even a few thoughtful rounds, done with awareness, can bring great benefits.
Here’s a simple version of Surya Namaskar A to try at home:
Mountain Pose (Tadasana) – Stand tall, feet grounded, hands at heart. Take a moment to connect to your breath.
Upward Salute (Urdhva Hastasana) – Inhale, sweep your arms up overhead, reaching tall.
Standing Forward Fold (Uttanasana) – Exhale, hinge at the hips and fold forward, softening the knees.
Half Lift (Ardha Uttanasana) – Inhale, lengthen your spine and gaze forward.
Plank Pose – Exhale, step back to plank, engaging your core.
Lower to the Floor – Inhale, lower to the ground or knees-chest-chin.
Cobra or Upward Dog – Inhale, lift your heart, open the chest.
Downward Dog – Exhale, lift your hips and press back into an inverted V shape.
Step Forward – Inhale, step forward into a half lift again.
Forward Fold – Exhale, fold.
Upward Salute – Inhale, rise up with arms overhead.
Mountain Pose – Exhale, return hands to heart.
Benefits of Sun Salutations
Boost circulation and energise the body
Strengthen muscles and improve flexibility
Focus the mind and regulate the breath
Honour the solar energy in and around us
Create a moving meditation, perfect for seasonal transitions
You can begin your day with 3–5 rounds as a way to greet the sun and ground yourself for what’s ahead.
Other Ways to Honour the Solstice
If movement isn’t your preferred way to celebrate, there are plenty of other simple, nurturing ways to honour the Solstice:
Take time in nature: Even 10 minutes outdoors can reconnect you with natural light and rhythm.
Set intentions: Reflect on what you’d like to welcome in this next season of your life.
Create a small ritual: Light a candle, journal, or simply pause in gratitude for the light and warmth around you.
Practice gratitude: Write down five things that have grown in your life since the start of the year.
Gather with others: This is a time for joyful connection and shared reflection.
Join Us for a Summer Solstice Retreat at Sussex Yoga
To celebrate this special turning point in the year, we’re hosting two nurturing Summer Solstice Retreats at our peaceful studio in East Sussex:
Sunday 22nd June, 10am–2pm
Sunday 29th June, 10am–2pm
“Solar Flow: A Celebration of Light & Energy” is our theme—a chance to connect to your inner vitality, reflect, and reset as we step into the second half of the year.
Each retreat includes:
A soothing yet energising yoga flow to awaken your inner sun
A gentle yin yoga sequence to soften and release tension
Guided breathwork and meditation to calm the nervous system and bring clarity
Light lunch, drinks and snacks provided throughout the day
A welcoming, inclusive environment for all levels—beginners warmly welcome
There are just a few spaces left for each date. To join us and honour the season in a truly restorative way, you can book your place here:
Final Thoughts
The Summer Solstice reminds us that we, too, are cyclical beings. Just as the sun reaches its highest point and begins to wane, we are always in a state of change, release, and renewal. Honouring this transition with intention and self-care is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer ourselves.
Wishing you warmth, light, and clarity this Solstice.
Angela at Sussex Yoga
