international yoga day

Surya NamasKAR

If Yoga was music, Surya Namaskar would be the most beautiful composition. If Yoga was food, it would be the most delicious meal. Short and yet wholesome, incorporating all the organs and types of stretches, it has a backbend, a forward bend, a half fold, a push-up, and a rest area midway ! Each time I stand at the top of my mat, I close my eyes and bow to the Sun in reverence for my existence and for giving me the energy that flows in every breath. Namaskar.

Namaskar is composed of three Sanskrit roots :

• Na = Not

• Mamah = Mine

• Kara = Action

So Namaskar is a way of greeting someone by silently saying that all the good between us is because of YOUR actions, not mine. This humility removes all ego within our self and allows us to meet someone with equal respect and gratitude.

Why Surya Namaskar ? The Sun is the source of energy for all lifeforms on Earth. Without the Sun there wouldn't be any light, any warmth or life! So with Surya Namaskar, we are saluting the Sun for giving us our energy to live & survive. It should therefore be done by greeting the Sun at sunrise.

Did you know ? The distance of Earth from the Sun is about 108 times the diameter of the Sun. The distance of Earth from the Moon is also about 108 times the diameter of the Moon.

FAQ & Terms

What is a Vinyasa ?

In Sanskrit "Vi" = special "Nyasa" = to place. So Vinyasa means to place asanas in a special sequence and linking it with breath. Surya Namaskar has it's sequence of poses which are always performed in that order and are linked to breath (when to inhale and exhale) . Therefore it can be considered as the first classic Vinyasa ! In modern Yoga classes, Vinyasa is sometimes used to refer to the 3 pose sequence of "high plank" to "low plank" to "upward dog". If a Yoga class is tagged as "Vinyasa" class it means that you will be moving from one pose to another, typically guided by the teacher.

What is the difference between Tadasana & Samasthiti ?

Excellent question! They both appear like mountain pose but in Tadasana the hands are by the hips (like a mountain) whereas in Samasthiti hands are typically at heart center. Sama = Equal, Stithi = Standing so the idea is to distribute the body weight equally on both legs.

What is the difference between Cobra & Upward Dog ?

Both are backbends. In Cobra, the legs (hips to toes) are on the ground and only the navel to shoulders & head are part of the back bend. In Upward Dog, the legs are off the ground with only the tops of the feet touching the ground while everything else is suspended from the ground. It is more strenuous than Cobra.

I get confused with the breathing. When to inhale and when to exhale ?

A general rule of thumb is to inhale when you are going against gravity and exhale towards gravity. Also, typically, you inhale when you are opening the body and exhale as you fold or make it more compact.

TESTIMONIALS

Yoga with Miti has been one of the few best things that could have happened in 2020 for me personally. It was tough year for us all and I was lucky to be introduced to this group. Miti has a very positive vibe and a lovely smile which she persistently wears throughout the session. Her classes can be defined as 60 minutes of pure bliss, introspect (cutting us from the outer world) and building strength, all at once. I love how we focus on breathing techniques, practice core strength and stretch often in the class. It is a very involved yet liberating experience. Thank you so much for your time and efforts, it is helping us a lot! :)

-- Shubham (Connecticut, US)

I am so so glad I started my Yoga journey with Miti. She made it look so easy and doable by breaking down difficult poses with such finesse. The little nuances that Miti recommends for different postures and flows make a big difference to gain more hold on the pose and over a period of time I realized those nuances yielded results that I was looking for. She brings her positive calming aura to the class. 15 minutes into the class and you konw you made a great decision as you come out all happy and rejuvenated. Thanks Miti for introducing Yoga to me like I knew never before. It has been a revelation and I thoroughly enjoy it :)

-- Richa (Arizona, US)

Miti is an absolutely AMAZING Yoga teacher. I particularly enjoyed the Ashtanga elements that she incorporates into her energizing flow. She has such a lovely and calming manner. Her attention to the subtleties of the pose, are impeccable. Her sessions always leave me on a cloud, gently buzzing, stretched, energized and relaxing both into my body and mind. Miti ensures to give each student individual attention over the course of an hour. She is brilliant and such an enthusiast, who encourages and cajoles with skills and experience. Miti - I cannot thank you enough. You will always be a part of my Yoga, my life.

-- Shilpi (London, UK)

The calm, serene that Miti brings and her dedication is exemplary! At my age, flexibility is key and Miti you came at a point when I needed this the most! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Your caring nature, passion for Yoga and your students speaks a lot! Look forward to every class ! Love you

-- Aarti (Ontario, Canada)

Yoga@Miti has been a wonderful experience. Miti creates an atmosphere to help you focus and guides you beautifully through the different asanas. The asanas she chooses makes one feel alive and well stretched. In the fast pace of life, one tends to go through life on an automatic mode. Miti's class makes me stop and smell the coffee. My awareness levels increase. Every time I attend her class, I feel simultaneously rejuvenated, more alert and at peace with myself.

-- Palak (Mumbai, India)

I started Yoga classes with Miti a few months into the Pandemic and it has been one of the best things I have done for myself. I feel so much healthier physically and mentally. I look forward to the class every week. Miti is such a positive person it rubs off. I really appreciate the thought and effort she puts into each class teaching us new poses and variations and relaxing music at the end of each session. I'm truly grateful and thankful for everything you do for us !

-- Hemali (Connecticut, US)

I have practiced Yoga with Miti for almost a year now and with each class, I feel more stronger, flexible, controlled and more connected to my value system. Yoga with Miti has definitely helped me with my physical fitness but most importantly my mental health. She encourages you to find your balance and push yourself further with every session. Soon enough, you discover you can do more than you thought you could. She is also able to identify probable challenges in one's practice and offers subtle suggestions which lead to surprisingly big improvements. She has a charismatic smile that she keeps spreading throughout 1 hr session and acts as a power fuel for all learners. I can't thank Miti enough for introducing me to Yoga and changing my life forever in a very positive way.

-- Deepika (Arizona, US)

Miti and I have spent many summers together during our childhood. We have some amazing memories and now we are here again rejuvenating our bonding through Yoga. Knowing her from childhood, she has the perfect personality to teach Yoga using her incredible positive energy, dedication, passion with a topping of a beautiful smile. It is my pleasure to have Miti not only as my cousin and friend but also as a soulful Yoga teacher!

-- Niti (Atlanta, US)

In January 2021 when my friend introduced me to Miti's Yoga classes, I was thrilled to be able to get back into a routine and that too from the comfort of my home. Miti's online Yoga lessons are a blessing for me. I'm so thankful to her for helping me get over the slump of 2020 and feel human again! Miti manages to make her lessons interesting using variety of vinyasas and engaging by giving personal attention to each one of us. Thank you Miti for bringing me back to Yoga!

-- Vasanthi (Atlanta, US)

I started doing Yoga with Miti in early 2020 and it has been nothing but and enriching experience in my life. Miti is an inspirational Yoga teacher who takes personal interest in all her students both on and off mat. She works with each of her students individually to better their technique and form. Her teachings embody full aspects of Yoga - physical, mental and spiritual growth. The classes are fun and you can look forward to learning something new every class. Thanks Miti for taking the initiative and introducing us back to Yoga!

-- Aarushi (Arizona, US)

Miti is very kind and humble and I think that's what makes her the best teacher. Having never done Yoga before and reaching where I am today is all thanks to her. Even with online Yoga sessions, her attention to detail is unmatched. I feel motivated every day and have a strong sense of calmness since I started doing Yoga with her. I enjoy my Yoga sessions with her and highly recommend everyone to join her classes. Thank you.

-- Ashima (New Jersey, US)

I have started practicing Yoga with Miti 3 months ago and I really enjoy doing Yoga with her. Miti is a very friendly and wonderful Yoga teacher. She focuses on individual postures and tries to correct & improve it. She has lessons for beginners as well as intermediate & advance level. She also lets you create your own sequence by combining your favorite Yoga postures. I love her dedication and knowledge about Yoga. At the end of every class I feel relaxed and full of energy.

-- Reena (New Jersey, US)