On June 21, the summer solstice, Big Sky residents of all
ages gathered in the newly opened Wilson Hotel for a morning of mental and
physical detox facilitated by an event called “108 Sun Salutations,” hosted by
Santosha Wellness Center.
A sun salutation is a series of yoga positions including one
of total prostration, “a deep bow to yourself,” said Santosha owner and event
leader Callie Stolz. Why 108? The figure has long been considered sacred in
Hinduism, yoga and Eastern philosophy, present in instances such as 108 beads
on a Mala, a Hindu prayer bead garland, or the 108 sacred Vedic texts. It even
has some scientific backing; for one, the diameter of Earth is approximately
108 times smaller than that of the sun.
The full routine took approximately one hour, and upon
completion attendees were met with food provided by The Gourmet Gals, a Big Sky
gourmet catering company. Proceeds from the donation-based gathering were
dedicated to the Big Sky Community Organization’s “ALL IN BIG SKY” community center
campaign, and the event also commemorated the grand opening of the Wilson Hotel
later that evening.
-Michael Somerby
