As I gaze at the suns magnificence, a million thoughts going through my mind, I notice a stillness within - one that envelopes me in peace, very much a calming effect. I close my eyes and feel the suns warmth on my cheeks, the breeze caressing my tingling skin. I listen to the ocean and hear her waves crashing gently on the shore. I feel very much alive, the cool sands beneath my feet, energising... urging me to walk, get my feet wet, feel the sand between my toes...
I am truly blessed to be able to have this experience...to calm my vivid imagination, to reflect on what is actually around me, beneath me, in front of me... it acts as a guide for the rest of my day, my inspiration, my purpose.
You can experience this too wherever you are, in the bush (bare feet on the earth), in the city (bare feet on a patch of grass).
Try it.... I dare you! :)
There is a practice called Sun Gazing, between the first hour after sunrise and last hour before sunset that has been stated to have great health benefits due to the bodies absorbtion of the full spectrum sunlight through our eyes.
It has also been said that hospital patients find it easier to cope with depression if they are exposed to 30 minutes of sunlight before sunset. Although Australian hospitals looking after elderly patients have recently adopted this practice, acharyas have always recommend religious rituals that require sun worship three times a day, at sunrise, at midday and at sunset. This ritual is called Tri-sandhya, which means three ritual worships each day. Sungazing is automatically included as part of this ritual.
This science is termed Yagyopathy. Within the sun's atmosphere, a yagya or eternal fire (fusion of hydrogen and oxygen) occurs which produces enormous amounts of solar energy. Yagyopathy (the application of Yagna for healing) has been found very effective in the cure of both physical ailments and psychosomatic disorders (such as anxiety, depression, guilt, insomnia, etc.). Yagna (agnihotra) renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifies the blood and prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Mental peace, emotional stability and creative development of the mind are added psychological benefits.
In addition to the skin, the eyes are also important entry points for
the sun's energy. J. N. Ott
demonstrated with his research how important it is for us to get the full spectrum of sunlight into the eyes, which does not happen if we wear glasses or sit behind windows. These artificial screens filter out the essential frequencies of the ultra-violet range of the spectrum. He demonstrated that the primary effect of light entering the eyes is on the endocrine glands in the brain.
Those who may not be after spiritual progress or interested in absorbing energy through sun gazing, can at least take advantage of some degree of sun exposure because it is the most important available source of vitamin D. It is this exposure to sunlight which provides humans with almost all their total daily vitamin D requirement. UV rays from the sun trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. However sometimes due to other variables such as season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog or any type of sunscreen which affects this, additional vitamin intake may be necessary. An initial 10 -15 minutes exposure to sunlight is adequate time for Vitamin D synthesis to occur.
Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week to the face, arms, hands or back, without sunscreen, is usually sufficient to provide an adequate amount of Vitamin D. Light to moderate sun exposure is beneficial. Except in winter do not sunbathe during the hours around midday. Preferably expose your whole body as often as possible for a few minutes to early morning or late afternoon sun. This may be in the garden, on the veranda or even inside a room with an open window. In addition, it is beneficial to sit lightly clothed in the half-shade such as under a tree for instance. We absorb the energies from sunlight through our clothing too.
Source: http://www.ayurhelp.com/ articles/ sun_rays_benifits1.htm
It has also been said that hospital patients find it easier to cope with depression if they are exposed to 30 minutes of sunlight before sunset. Although Australian hospitals looking after elderly patients have recently adopted this practice, acharyas have always recommend religious rituals that require sun worship three times a day, at sunrise, at midday and at sunset. This ritual is called Tri-sandhya, which means three ritual worships each day. Sungazing is automatically included as part of this ritual.
This science is termed Yagyopathy. Within the sun's atmosphere, a yagya or eternal fire (fusion of hydrogen and oxygen) occurs which produces enormous amounts of solar energy. Yagyopathy (the application of Yagna for healing) has been found very effective in the cure of both physical ailments and psychosomatic disorders (such as anxiety, depression, guilt, insomnia, etc.). Yagna (agnihotra) renews the brain cells, revitalizes the skin, purifies the blood and prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Mental peace, emotional stability and creative development of the mind are added psychological benefits.
In addition to the skin, the eyes are also important entry points for
the sun's energy. J. N. Ott
demonstrated with his research how important it is for us to get the full spectrum of sunlight into the eyes, which does not happen if we wear glasses or sit behind windows. These artificial screens filter out the essential frequencies of the ultra-violet range of the spectrum. He demonstrated that the primary effect of light entering the eyes is on the endocrine glands in the brain.
Those who may not be after spiritual progress or interested in absorbing energy through sun gazing, can at least take advantage of some degree of sun exposure because it is the most important available source of vitamin D. It is this exposure to sunlight which provides humans with almost all their total daily vitamin D requirement. UV rays from the sun trigger vitamin D synthesis in the skin. However sometimes due to other variables such as season, geographic latitude, time of day, cloud cover, smog or any type of sunscreen which affects this, additional vitamin intake may be necessary. An initial 10 -15 minutes exposure to sunlight is adequate time for Vitamin D synthesis to occur.
Ten to fifteen minutes of sun exposure at least twice a week to the face, arms, hands or back, without sunscreen, is usually sufficient to provide an adequate amount of Vitamin D. Light to moderate sun exposure is beneficial. Except in winter do not sunbathe during the hours around midday. Preferably expose your whole body as often as possible for a few minutes to early morning or late afternoon sun. This may be in the garden, on the veranda or even inside a room with an open window. In addition, it is beneficial to sit lightly clothed in the half-shade such as under a tree for instance. We absorb the energies from sunlight through our clothing too.
Source: http://www.ayurhelp.com/
— at Currimundi Beach.
Namaste...