Solar Meditations for Depression: The Healing Powers of the Sun

Cultures around the world celebrate the sun, each in their own way. It has been the object of worship, a cause for celebration, a symbol of strength and wisdom and truth. Greek and Arab scholars, and later Europeans such as Descartes and Newton all tried to understand light to gain a better understanding of God. Much of modern science's origins came from the desire to penetrate the divine nature of light.

Health Benefits of Sunshine

Now modern science has re-established (but not "discovered") the valuable benefits of sunlight both for physical and mental health.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a of depressive illness brought on by lack of light, typically in the dark winter months. There is not only a psychological effect of the absence of sunlight, but a physiological effect as well. Even for those whose depression is not necessarily related to SAD, sunlight can be very healing and an important factor in recovery.

Caution should always be practiced when exposed to the sun, especially in mid-afternoon and during the warmer seasons. Certain medications can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight, and also the anti-depressant herb St. John's Wort (if you have fair skin), so it is important to be aware of this beforehand.

Never look directly at the sun with open eyes.

You should get at least one hour of daily, direct exposure to the sun every day to alleviate depression. To avoid overexposure it is better to do this in the earlier hours of the day.

The sun is also our main source of vitamin D which is vital for optimum health. According to an article in ScienceDaily (May 26, 2005) — Scientists at The University of Manchester have unveiled new research which claims that going out in the midday sun, without sunscreen, is good for you. Ultra-violet radiation expert Ann Webb recommends short periods (5-10 minutes) of direct sun at high noon.

"Our calculations have found that the best time to be out in the sun if you want to maximize Vitamin D production and its benefits is midday. This is when the sun is highest in the sky and this is when there is more UVB radiation in the spectrum which triggers Vitamin D production in the skin," says Dr Webb. Read the full article in Science Daily.

Vitamin D - available in it's most potent form from sunlight on the skin - is being studied for it's likely benefits in protecting against osteoporosis, cancer, infections, diabetes, aches and pains, multiple sclerosis, and even schizophrenia. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that the human body makes on it's own (when exposed to ultra-violet B light from the sun.

The FDA recommends 200 IU of vitamin D daily for those under 51 and 400 IU for those 51 to 70. However, researchers say the recommendations should be around 1,000 IU daily for all ages and perhaps as high as 2,000 IU. (200 IU's is about the amount of Vitamin D found in a glass of milk). See the full review in this article in the Los Angeles Times.

Note: The best type of Vitamin D is "D3" derived from sunlight, and from animals - especially fish. Vitamin "D2" is plant- based, commonly found in cheaper vitamin supplements, and is inferior in its benefits to your health.

Solar Meditations

Find a comfortable spot in the sun where you can relax.
Close your eyes and breath slowly and mindfully.
Look towards the sun, with eyes closed, as you breath, and feel the sunlight permeate your being.
Imagine your body dissolving in light.
Relax and breathe for at least 5-10 minutes, until your mind and body are calm.

Visualization for counteracting negativity:If you are feeling plagued by negative thoughts or feel invaded or intruded upon by someone else's negativity, try this:

While sitting or standing comfortably in the sun, allow yourself to focus on the negative thought or image that comes to mind.
Then, breathing slowly and mindfully, feel the warmth and light of the sun on your body.
Visualize the image of the blazing sun in the area of your heart, imagining the sun's rays permeating your inner world, shining outward through every pore of your body, and out into the outer world. Allow yourself to really visualize this inner light shining into all corners of the world, illuminating every dark corner, and overcoming all negativity with golden light and love.
After holding this image for a few minutes, and breathing from the belly, end with an exhalation and feel yourself connected to the earth, and rooted in your body. You will feel lighter, calmer and more empowered to deal with stressful people and situations after this.

Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation):

One of the most popularly practiced yogic practices, traditionally practiced, or course, while facing the sun. The first few minutes of this beautifully video, shot on location in India, shows the 12 sequential postures of the Sun Salutation. The rest of the video is worth watching, but shows other postures (quite advanced ones) that are not part of Sun Salutation.

Instruction in Surya Yoga, a more advanced solar meditation as developed by Yogiraj Siddhanath, is available by appointment in the SF Bay Area:

Ben Schwarcz
(707) 326-5566

graphic provided by freeimages.co.uk