108 Sun Salutations: My Personal Experience and Lessons Learned

When I first heard about practicing 108 sun salutations, I remember thinking it sounded almost impossible. Performing the familiar sequence once or twice during class felt energizing, but the idea of repeating it 108 times in one session was overwhelming. Despite my doubts, something inside me felt called to attempt this powerful practice. Over time, I discovered that 108 sun salutations is not only physically challenging, but also deeply emotional, spiritual, and transformative.

What Inspired Me to Attempt 108 Sun Salutations

Initially, it was pure curiosity that pulled me toward the idea. I had heard yoga teachers speak about the significance of the number 108 — how it carries spiritual meaning in various traditions, from Hinduism to Buddhism. Learning that there are 108 energy lines converging to the heart chakra and that malas used for meditation often contain 108 beads made me realize this wasn’t just a random number. I understood that 108 sun salutations could become a moving meditation, a kind of personal ritual marking change, growth, or renewal in my life.

I decided to challenge myself not just physically but mentally and spiritually too. I made a promise to approach the practice with an open heart and patience, rather than treating it like a fitness goal to conquer.

Preparing for the 108 Sun Salutations Journey

Building Strength and Endurance Gradually

Rather than diving straight into performing 108 rounds, I realized preparation was essential. I began by incorporating extra sun salutations into my regular yoga sessions. Starting with 12, then 24, and eventually 54, I built up stamina over several weeks. Through this gradual increase, my muscles adapted, and my breath control improved. This approach made the idea of completing 108 sun salutations much less intimidating.

Mental Preparation: Setting Clear Intentions

Physical strength alone wouldn’t carry me through such an intense practice. I needed a mental anchor. Each time I practiced, I set a heartfelt intention. Sometimes it was about releasing old fears, other times it was about welcoming new beginnings. Focusing on my intention helped me stay motivated during the tougher rounds when fatigue and self-doubt crept in.

I found that envisioning the practice as a moving prayer or a meditation in action shifted my mindset entirely. It became less about reaching a finish line and more about experiencing every breath, every stretch, every heartbeat.

The Day I Completed 108 Sun Salutations

When the day arrived, I made sure to create a sacred space for the practice. I lit a few candles, played gentle instrumental music in the background, and rolled out my mat with excitement and a bit of nervousness. My heart was pounding, but I reminded myself that this wasn’t a race — it was a journey.

Finding My Flow

In the beginning, the movements felt fresh and easy. My body was energized, and my breath synced effortlessly with each transition. Inhale, reach up; exhale, fold forward; inhale, lengthen; exhale, step back — the flow became second nature.

By round 30, I found a natural rhythm. I stopped counting each individual sun salutation and began to think in sets of 10. This small mental shift made the practice feel less overwhelming. I could manage 10 rounds, and then another 10, and so on. 108 sun salutations started to feel within reach.

Hitting Walls and Pushing Through

As I passed the halfway mark, fatigue began to seep into my shoulders and legs. The repetitive movements that once felt smooth now became effortful. My inner critic started whispering that I didn’t have to finish, that stopping would be okay. It was at this point that my preparation really paid off.

I returned to my breath. I returned to my intention. Every time my mind drifted to how many rounds remained, I gently brought my focus back to the present moment. Handling these inner battles was the true essence of completing 108 sun salutations — it wasn’t about being the strongest physically; it was about being resilient mentally and emotionally.

Lessons I Learned From 108 Sun Salutations

The Strength of the Mind-Body Connection

Through completing 108 sun salutations, I experienced firsthand how deeply intertwined the mind and body are. When my mind was calm and steady, my body moved more gracefully. When my thoughts were scattered or negative, every pose felt heavier. This practice taught me the immense power of positive, focused thinking.

Self-Compassion Over Perfection

I realized there’s no such thing as a “perfect” sun salutation. Some rounds felt fluid, while others were awkward and clumsy. I allowed myself to take breaks when needed, modify poses if my wrists or shoulders asked for it, and to drink water without guilt. 108 sun salutations wasn’t about performing flawlessly — it was about honoring the process.

This lesson in self-compassion extended far beyond the yoga mat. In everyday life, I found myself being kinder to myself when things didn’t go exactly as planned.

The Power of Repetition

Before attempting 108 sun salutations, I underestimated the transformative power of repetition. Doing the same sequence over and over forced me to face my own mental patterns. Boredom, frustration, and even bursts of joy would arise and pass, just like clouds in the sky. I realized that repetitive practice could break old thought habits and build resilience in ways no other practice had.

Embracing Discomfort

At several points during the practice, I wanted to quit. My body ached, my mind wavered, and emotions surfaced unexpectedly. Yet pushing through that discomfort — wisely and with self-care — opened a door to a new level of strength and trust in myself. I learned that staying with discomfort, rather than avoiding it, often leads to incredible growth.

Tips for Taking On 108 Sun Salutations Yourself

If you feel called to try 108 sun salutations, here are a few things I would recommend based on my experience:

Start with Smaller Goals

Don’t aim for 108 right away. Begin with 12, 24, or 54, and gradually build up. This will allow your body and mind to adapt to the demands of the practice.

Focus on Breath and Presence

Rather than obsessing over the number of rounds completed, focus on each breath, each movement, and each intention. Staying present makes the experience much more manageable — and much more meaningful.

Listen to Your Body

Modifications are not a sign of failure. Allow yourself to adjust poses, take rest pauses, or move at a slower pace when needed. Your body’s needs are just as important as your will to complete the practice.

Create a Sacred Space

Setting up a peaceful, distraction-free environment made a huge difference for me. Whether it’s candles, incense, soft music, or complete silence, create a space that supports your focus and intention.

Conclusion

Taking on 108 sun salutations was one of the most humbling, empowering, and enlightening experiences of my yoga journey. It showed me that growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones, facing the mind’s doubts, and trusting in the strength of the heart. More than just a physical feat, 108 sun salutations became a journey inward — a celebration of resilience, patience, and devotion.

If you ever find yourself drawn toward trying 108 sun salutations, I encourage you to honor that instinct. You might just discover a new layer of strength and self-awareness you never knew was within you.