Odyssey Magazine Issue 1, 2016 | Page 58

Once you've kicked off your shoes and got yourself firmly grounded, sun gazing is an ancient practise that is also fast regaining popularity, presumably because it's also healthy, natural, easy, simple to practise, sustainable and doesn't cost anything. Author and speaker Bridget Edwards tells us why this ancient modality is so good for us. T he sun has always been revered and even worshipped by priests and shamans of ancient cultures like the Aztecs, Egyptians and even in Asian society, and for good reason too because the sun or sunlight is the source of all life and a basic nutrient. The ancients considered the sun vital for elevated vibrations, where joyful states of being or spiritual advancements would naturally occur, thus also aiding physical transformation and healing too. The sun, directly or indirectly, energises, nourishes, recharges and revitalises all life, specifically the physical body. Think about why we enjoy being outdoors in the sunshine, and in particular those sun-drenched beach holidays. The sun can affect our moods. Many people feel happy and healthy when exposed to the sun (even in small doses), and gloomy after several consecutive cloudy, grey and rainy days. Those who live in areas where sunlight is minimal can suffer from 'winter blues', a type of depression also known as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and light therapy is often required. Vitamin D, 'the sunshine vitamin' is critical nutrient for your body. Vitamin D is only produced in the body via the sun. But, Vitamin D supplements are a poor substitute for direct sunlight. The daily practise of sun gazing provides the body with necessary Chi or Prana (life force energy) and, when absorbed through the eyes, can help to reduce such issues as stress, worry, anxiety, fear, anger and sadness, among others. According to India's Hira Ratan Manek (HRM) sun gazing can apparently balance emotions within the first three months (up to 15 minutes) of practising, and is said toheal the body of many conditions within 3-6 months (15-30 minutes), and from 6-9 months (30-44 minutes) regulates the necessity for large intakes of food, claim practitioners. Obviously these results vary from person to ODYSSEY 58 •  DIGIMAG Golden rules to follow strictly when sun gazing 1 Do not increase your daily sun gazing activity by more than 10 second increments per day. 2 Do not gaze into the full sun after the 1 st hour of sun rise, or before the last hour of sun set. Sun gazing during these specific times is necessary because that is when the UV rays are minimal and therefore considered safe. 3 Stand bare foot on the bare earth when sun gazing. Do not stand on cement, bricks or grass. The bare earth is the best for effective sun gazing. 4 Sun gazing is not recommended for everyone, in fact it is not recommended at all. Do your own thorough research. Satisfy yourself 100%, and take complete responsibility for your own actions and choices. The information supplied here is for entertainment purposes only.