It was 7 years ago in a Yoga class that I first heard of an upcoming 108 sun salutations event. 108 never sounded like so much! After 10-15 rounds in my regular practice, my arms were tired and my juice was fading.......108?

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Luckily, this was the year I decided to face my fear and feed my curiosity. When compiling enticing classes for YWN's events page, this one jumped out at me. It was time. I knew it when I saw it. I had been thinking that the Dayaalu Center would be close on my radar of studios to visit in the near future, and this was the perfect opportunity.

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Thanks to Google Maps on my iphone, the drive to Bainbridge Island from my Olalla roots was beautiful and calm. Once there, I stepped out of my car and took in sight of the entrance. The strong and sturdy wood with warm lighting felt comfortable like a log cabin; inviting, yet protective.

 

Upon mentioning this was my first visit, I was shown the studio space; a place to make a cup of tea in a mug, ample space for personal belongings to be hung and stored, a private bathroom, inviting waiting room, and, of course, the studio spaces (a smaller one not currently in use and a large, gorgeous room with multiple entrances). It was in this beautiful space we set up in sort of a circle.

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To my relief, it was explained that the class would split the 108 rounds into 3 sets of 36. This gave us a few moments between sets to rest, sip tea and collect ourselves before continuing.

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The coordinated movement of an entire, collective energy in the room was enough to blow your mind, but the clincher was the musical guest, ISLAND KIRTAN https://www.facebook.com/IslandKirtan/, who reserved a select chant for each of the 3 sets.

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Some Yogis were there solely to chant and sat up with the band. Other Yogis on mats in the circle flew with the movement, sometimes stopping to sit and join the kirtan.

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This event combined a meditation of sound and resonancy, pranayama married to movement, and prolonged mental focus that will take you to heights beyond any quiet, stationary meditation or asana practice alone.

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Tired at the end? Mmmmm, yes..... Vibrating from head to toe? Uhhh.....Definitely.

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Once class commenced I returned my tea mug to the kitchen, gathered my items and introduced myself to the founder of Dayaalu Center and leader of the salutations, Susan Steindorf. I thanked her, and upon chatting further, learned more about other perks of Dayaalu (pronounced "dye-AWE-lu" - meaning to offer compassion in Sanskrit), like the organic, local produce kitchen open each weekday serving soup and offering grab-and-go items daily (I recommend the vegan chocolate pudding!). I was shown the back yard space, with a lovely tree and tables to sit in nature and enjoy your food. A small building sits to the side and serves as the center's healing infrared sauna, all nestled in the greenery.

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My hat's off to this healing space. They constantly offer events, workshops, trainings and many other services. They have a well-rounded collection of weekly classes with a variety of instructors. Visit their website and see for yourself.

 

I invite you to challenge yourself and try something that may typically invoke negative self-talk. One thing is for sure- the next time I hear, '108 Sun Salutation Celebration Event'..... I'll smile.

 

Namaste, Yogis!