Elevate Your Life: Sungaze

It’s interesting how we only follow ancient traditions if there is ‘scientific’ confirmation of their value. Pranayama was rarely even practiced in yoga classes as no one was interested in it! Now it’s been rebranded as ‘breathwork’ and given some supportive science, it’s all the rage. The same is the case with sungazing.

Sungazing is an ancient yogic practice. You practice it in the morning, as the sun is rising, looking at the sun for 5 to 30 minutes, and in the evening as the sun goes down. I have practiced it for decades, despite warnings that gazing at the sun ruined your eyes!

Then it was suddenly rebranded by Andrew Huberman (who it was also allegedly revealed was multiply unfaithful) as a way to improve your sleep and given scientific back up. Now it is incredibly fashionable.

Sungazing is more than just getting light in your eyes. Yogicly you are actually absorbing the energy of the sun. For anyone with low energy (which is many of the people I see) it is incredibly helpful. If you are lucky enough to have a garden where you can see the sun rise, ideally you would sit and mediate as you look at the sun rising. Feel the energy of the sun moving though every part of your body. Then you can take your yoga practice in the garden facing East, if the weather allows! It’s also a marvellous way to help reset your circadian rhythm if you travel.

In the evening, again you would ideally mediate and watch the sun go down. You will start to notice how the light in the morning is different- cooler- and the sunset much warmer. Feel this gentle warmth soothing and relaxing your body after your day. Again this also helps with your circadian rhythm and sleeping better.

A walk at midday (don’t look at the sun!) for 20 minutes is also advised to improve energy levels. Yogicly you take your biggest meal of the day at lunch, as the sun is brightest at this time.

If you have any lung issues and the weather is good, in the morning it is great idea to lie down and feel the sun on your chest for 20 minutes. If you suffer from boredom, listen to a podcast while you sun your chest and- as you are lying on your back- you can breathe into your stomach and let go of any tightness in your chest.

Obviously sungazing is somewhat easier to practice in India rather than Canada or the UK, but do what you can. Also note that in yogic terms you should never wear sunglasses unless you absolutely have to (eg while driving). It’s believed that sunglasses stop you absorbing the goodness of the sun (like vitamin D). I haven’t worn sunglasses for years and never need them.

Obviously listen to your body and what’s right for you and your eyes. The beauty of sun gazing is that it is free, connects you to nature and has a very profound effect.

Please note that if you are a very firey pitta person- you have an appalling temper, or can’t bear the heat, or are in raging meopause- then moongazing and moon bathing is also recommended. This can be a very beautiful part of your daily routine.

Enjoy!