SunGazing

SUNGAZING


Sun gazing is a practise in which you stare directly at the sun at certain lengths and times of the day. This method if practised regularly, is said to bring physical, mental and spiritual healing into ones life.
All I knew up until now is that the sun makes me feel great and provides vitamin D. Little did I know how the sun literally shines light on so many benefits for the human body, health and mind. After all, it is the ultimate source of all energy and without this gigantic burning ball in the sky, all life would cease to exist. 

First of all I'd like to say that I am born and bred in England, probably one of the coldest, greyest and wetted places on this earth. I had spent the majority of this previous summer wearing a rain jacket and a woolly hat. So when the sun shines through this heavy blanket of cloud, I am extremely grateful for its presence! I turn my face up towards the sun, feeling its embrace and warmth as it soaks into my skin, the gold light dancing behind my eye lids and in this moment, I feel totally at peace. A small content smile naturally appears on my face. 
Sometimes I feel that my body is just like a battery and as I stand beneath the sun, I can feel as if it's energy is charging me up. I have noticed when the days the sun is out, I have much more energy, far more active and my mood is always way more positive. My mind feels bright and sharp, just like the sun itself. I am inspired to be out in nature. And it's not only in myself that I have observed, it's everybody! People come out of their hibernation, they smile more at strangers and more social outdoor activities take place.            

                                        

So what is "sungazing" and why?

Resembling closely to its name, the practise is done by staring directly into the sun at sunrise/ sunset, when the sun is closest to the earth (within the 1st hour/ last hour of sun). This is very important, for if the suggested times are no followed, the UV light can seriously damage the eyes.
Sungazers stand barefoot on the earth looking for 10seconds and then everyday increasing by adding another 10seconds. Some sungazers eventually reach a duration of 44 minutes.

The theory is that by staring directly into the sun, it can infuse the body with large amounts of energy. So much, that people have reported to go days, months and even years without eating! They claim that the solar rays feed the the body with all the nourishment they need, therefore reducing the appetite to eat food.
Hira Ratan Manek, the man that introduced sungazing to the western world (also known as HRM), claims to have gone eight years without eating! 
HRM founded the Solar Healing Centres and has gone through three strict long term fasts through the practise of sungazing, whilst all being under supervision and observation from various medical and scientific teams. Some of these claims sound pretty outrageous and there have been a number of experiments as well as controversial views on this subject. 

However, the purpose of sungazing is not to fast. It's just that some people claim to not "need" food, whilst some claim otherwise.
Sungazing is a method to open the doors of what we are capable of, and to at the very least, bring joy, clarity and an abundance of energy into our lives.

Here are some reported benefits:

* Weight loss. Reduced appetite or even total loss of desire to eat.
* Boosts moods, relieves stress and tension. Sungazing stimulates the pineal gland, which boosts the release of melatonin and serotonin from the brain. (Feel-good hormones). By the secretion of these hormones, vitality is boosted and therefore energy levels are increased. 
* Awakens third eye chakra. Stimulating the pineal gland in which the 3rd eye chakra is located, awakens a spiritual and powerful energy centre within the body.
* Increases the size of the pineal gland. Normally as we age, this gland eventually decreases. However, HRM (approximately 70 years old), has a pineal gland that is three times the size as a normal man.    
* Improved eyesight.
* Releasing internal blockages.
* Increased human potential.
* Vitamin D. This regulates calcium and phosphate in the body, keeping bones muscles and teeth  healthy.

The method:

There is a method (and only one method) in which HRM recommends. As previously mentioned, the sungazers are to increase the time everyday by adding 10seconds whilst standing barefoot on the earth (to enhance the benefits and keep one grounded). During this time, you are to visualise the sun filling your body with rejuvenating light and energy. If practised regularly, it should take up to 9-10months to reach 44minutes.
Once completing 44 minutes, you are to walk at least 45 minutes everyday for the following 6days. From then onwards, it's just to make a conscious effort to walk everyday barefoot whenever you can. Keeping a journal to make notes of progress and feelings mentally and physically is also suggested. 
There are many documentaries (e.g. "Eat The Sun"), YouTube videos and countless articles on the web that provides information for further details of this method and many of their benefits.

The great thing about this practise, is that you can do it anywhere in the world, feel embraced by nature and life's greatest energy source and of course...spending these moments reconnecting with yourself. 




Yoga Therapist Training at Atmavikasa Center of Yogic Sciences, Mysore http://atmavikasayoga.in  #yogainmysore #atmavikasa #yogatherapyindia



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