As the longest day of the year, light and temperature conditions are just right for nature to cover into full bloom.

As yogis, it’s not uncommon for us to be reverent of nature. But with lush greenery, delicate wildflowers, and balmy summer nights, there’s undoubtedly something special about summer. Today, I’d like to share a brief yoga sequence to help get you in the Solstice spirit and pay homage to Mother Earth.

Summer Solstice Energy

At the height of the Summer Solstice, we’re feeling energized and playful. The longer days give us that extra boost for creativity and inspiration. There’s a sensation of joy and potential in the air. Much like Mother Earth, we’re feeling “in our prime” during the summer months. We feel called to journey outside, enjoy the fresh air and bask in gratitude for all we’ve been given.

For my practice, I’m using my favorite sustainable yoga rug from Oko Living. These mats are ethically hand-loomed out of organic cotton and dyed with medicinal herbs. Plus, they come from a small women-owned business! If you’d like to grab your own yoga rug, use my code THELOCALMYSTIC to save $10 on your order.

Nature in Bloom || Summer Solstice Yoga

Surya Mudra

First, start in a comfortable, seated position. You can be seated in a chair or on the floor. To begin the mudra, draw your ring finger in towards the base of your thumb. Then take your thumb and rest it on your ring finger. Apply a bit of pressure, but make sure it’s not overly uncomfortable for you. Your other three fingers (little finger, middle finger, and index finger) should stay extended. 

Continue to take deep breaths while holding the gesture. Make sure that the ring fingertip touches the base of your thumb. You can stay here anywhere from 10 minutes – 45 minutes. Deepening the breath, and noticing your body temperature as you do.

Goddess Sequence

Make your way up to standing, then turn to the side, facing the long end of your mat. Take your feet as wide as your hips, with your toes pointed out and your heels pointed in. As you breathe in, reach your hands up to the sky, spreading out wide through your chest and out through your fingertips. As you exhale, bend your knees, guiding them out over the center on your feet. Bend your elbows to create a 90 degree angle, and draw your thumb and pointer finger to touch, leaving all other fingers extended. Repeat these motions in time with your breath for five rounds of breath.

Viparita Karani (waterfall pose)

You’ll need a block, bolster, or a pillow for this pose. Release down to your back with feet on the floor and knees up. Take your block and lift your hips up off the ground. Place the block on its lowest level at the base of your sacrum, where your tailbone meets your hips. Draw your knees in towards your chest, then extend your legs lifting your heels up towards the sky. For a more supported version, you could also do this pose at the wall. Take 10 – 15 deep breaths here before releasing your knees back into your chest. Bring your ferry back down to the floor and remove the block from underneath you.

Padmasana (Lotus Pose)

When you’re ready, slowly emerge from your savasana, rolling over to one side and coming up to a seat. For full Lotus pose, draw your left knee in towards your chest, flexing your foot. Draw your foot over into your right hip crease, keeping the foot active. Repeat on the second side, drawing the right foot in towards the left hip. For a modified version, you can take lotus on just one side or find easy pose, seated with knees out to the sides and your ankles placed one in front of the other on the floor.