Sun Salutation Mini-Workshop
SURYA NAMASKAR: SALUTE TO THE SUN | 3:30 - 5:00pm
Join us for a transformative special 1.5-hour workshop designed to deepen your understanding of safe and mindful practice of yoga asana (postures). This session focused entirely on the classical surya namaskar (salute to the sun), including the foundations of alignment based on spine and shoulder anatomy. You will learn several variations of sun salutation practice from very gentle to vigorous, toward establishing your own sun salutation practice. To conclude the workshop, we will practice 12 rounds of surya namaskar to mantra (sacred chanting) recorded by Mount Madonna faculty, followed by short meditation. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yoga practitioner, this mini-workshop offers valuable insights to support a sustainable and fulfilling practice.
The day’s program will also include:
- Brunch & dinner in the shared community dining hall
- A guided tour of the Mount Madonna campus (weather permitting)
- Personal time
- Opportunity to stay for arati (ritual of light) after dinner at the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Option to book a wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (fees additional, advance reservations highly recommended)
To participate in this special class, please register for a Mountain Experience day visit or Personal Retreat overnight stay.
Please note: yoga classes are appropriate for ages 13 years and older. Please plan for a separate activity for children under age 13.
Sample Schedule
| Saturday, December 20 | |
| 10:00am | Arrival & Check-in |
| 10:00 - 11:00am | Brunch |
| 11:30am - 12:30pm | Guided walk/tour |
| 12:30 - 3:30pm | Personal time |
| 3:30 - 5:00pm | Workshop |
| 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner |
| 6:00pm | Arati |
| 7:00pm | Program Concludes |
Presenter
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Vika KolesovRYT 500, AHCVika completed her classical Ashtanga Yoga Teachers Training YTT200 and YTT300 at Mount Madonna Institute School of Yoga and further deepened her holistic knowledge by earning her certification as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) from the Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda.
As an instructor, Vika is part of the rotating teaching team at Mount Madonna’s Redwood Room, leading both Classical Ashtanga and All Levels Asana classes. She tailors her instruction to support each student’s unique abilities and aspirations, integrating Ayurvedic principles—such as seasonal changes and time of day—to enhance balance and well-being.
Vika’s personal Asana practice is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught by Pattabhi Jois. Being deeply committed to lifelong learning, she continues her immersion in yoga and its related disciplines through ongoing studies in Sanskrit grammar and Vedic chanting.
