Page 5 - Giv'er Miramichi Magazine - Spring Giver 2025

Celebrating the Summer Solstice and

International Day of Yoga by Erin Savage, Yoga Siromani & Kundalini Teacher

Summer Solstice falls on the 21st of June and is the right.”
longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. On this Hanuman flew up and positioned himself with his face
same day The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated to Surya's, and Surya—who appreciated persistence in a
worldwide. Since 2014 IDY has been celebrated in more than student—began to speed across the sky, expounding scripture
170 countries including Canada, Australia, Germany, USA, as he went. Because he was always respectful of his teacher
and China. and not turning his back to him, this meant that Hanuman
International Day of Yoga is celebrated with various was always traveling backward, facing his teacher.
activities such as yoga camps, competitions, workshops, Some say that Hanuman’s backward¬-moving trajectory
festivals, and many more events to provide awareness to the was the origin of surya namaskar (sun salutations). As you
public about the importance of yoga. perform the movements of surya namaskar, you will end the
Most notably we see groups doing Surya Namaskara series of poses at the back of your mat. So you are travelling
(Sun Salutations) to commemorate this day. Here is a backwards as did Hanuman.
wonderful story from Hindu mythology that tells us about Hanuman was such a dedicated student that he mastered
Hanuman, the monkey God and how he brought light to all the Vedas in swift time. And being very pleased with
Surya Namaskara. Hanuman, Surya needed no¬ payment. "Watching a devoted
Hanuman, the great monkey ¬hero of the Ramayana, was student learn was its own reward," he said.
fascinated with Surya (the sun God) ever since he was a baby. "I can only offer you my gratitude and namaskars
He saw the sun in the sky and mistook it for a delicious (respectful greetings)," replied Hanuman. And so the surya
mango. Pushing off from the earth he soared to seize the sun! namaskar series was born as Hanuman's guru dakshina
He began to chew the sun and even though the sun scalded (payment made to the teacher in thanks) to Surya.
Hanuman’s mouth, that stubborn monkey held on. Lookout for more information coming about this year's
When the light went out and the Gods realised something first ever Chi' Solstice Fest to be held at Strawberry Marsh
was wrong, Lord Indra (God of rain, regent of the heavens) on June 21. We have planned a full day of free yoga classes
jumped into action and hurled his diamond thunderbolt and activities in support of Life Promotion Miramichi. Let
(vajra) straight at Hanuman's jaw. Hanuman opened his your curiosity guide you to discover the perfect practice to
mouth and dropped the sun, and the universe's light returned. suit you. From a relaxed contemplative Yin to challenging
But the vajra hurt him and it broke his jaw (hanu), giving him powerful Hatha or spiritual and dynamic Kundalini!
the nickname, “the one with the broken jaw.” We will have food trucks on site, vendors and workshops
The gods took away Hanuman's powers, but, because happening all day long beginning at 11am. Drum Unity will
they were sorry about his jaw they gave him special powers also be drumming down the sun at dusk, bring or borrow a
of strength, speed, shape-shifting, a gift for celibacy, an drum and join in! We have something planned for all ages
incredible memory, and the qualities of a true lover of God, and abilities. Brought to you by local yoga teachers Debra
but he would have to wait for them in the future when he Halley of Root Cellar Yoga and Erin Savage of Avadata Yoga.
would meet and serve Lord Ram. Visit our Facebook page for details.
Before he was to meet Ram, Hanuman needed a teacher.
“Why not ask Surya?" his mother, Anjana, suggested. "He
drives his chariot all over the world everyday and sees
everything, everywhere. He knows all the sacred scriptures
and he flies even higher and farther than you can."
Hanuman asked Surya to be his teacher, but Surya
refused. He had forgiven Hanuman for trying to eat him, but
said, “I have a strict schedule, and no spare time at all. I must
keep moving. I can't stop to teach you, and besides, how can
you learn effectively when I am moving?”
“What if I can keep up with you?" asked Hanuman. "Will
you take me as your student then?”
“I am sure you won't be able to," replied Surya, "but all

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