International Yoga Day
Celebrated on June 21, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. While it is an important source of exercise and healthy activity millions join in and practice on a daily basis. For many, these routines are a way to connect the body, mind, and soul in a way that has existed for centuries.
HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
For International Yoga Day, people around the world are all set to take out their yoga mats and start exercising, but they might not be aware that yoga goes back centuries.
Yoga is considered to be an ancient practice that originated 5,000 years ago in India. Yoga was developed as a way to interconnect the mind, body, and soul to step closer into enlightenment. As the practice became popular in the West, it became popularized as an exercise and relaxation method, with claims to help the body’s general well-being, and alleviate physical injuries and chronic pain.
The idea of International Yoga Day was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, where a resolution to establish June 21 as International Yoga Day was introduced by India’s Ambassador, Asoke Kumar Mukerji.
The date of June 21 was chosen as it is the Summer Solstice, the day when there is the most sun out of every other day of the year. Overall, it received support from 177 nations, the highest number of co-sponsors for any UN resolution, proclaiming June 21 as International Yoga Day.
On June 21, 2015, nearly 36,000 people, including Prime Minister Modi, and many other high-profile political figures from all around the world, performed 21 asanas (yoga postures) for 35 minutes in New Delhi in what was the first International Yoga Day, and day has been celebrated around the globe ever since.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY ACTIVITIES
1.Bring Your Tree Pose to Nature
Practicing outside can breathe some fresh air into your yoga poses. Practice on the beach, at your local park, or even in your backyard. Surrounding yourself in a new environment can be much more engaging by having new things to focus on.
2.Do your “om” thing
Create your own flow of movements and discover new combinations to your favorite music. Sometimes a change in movement or music can help you focus your energy and sync your breathing perfectly to musical transitions.
3.Introduce a friend to the yogi lifestyle
Bringing a friend can be just the right motivation you need to revamp your practice. Not only will their presence inspire you to strengthen your poses, but also they can score big on free yoga deals for new students. Win-win.
WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
A. It’s inclusive
People of all age groups, religions, nationalities, and social backgrounds can celebrate because yoga is accessible to all! There are so many different kinds of yoga practices, so it’s possible for anyone to start. Size and fitness levels don’t matter — there are modifications for every yoga pose and beginner class in every style.
B. Yoga helps you manage stress
Life can be stressful sometimes, and it can take its toll on our physical bodies. Have back or neck pain, sleeping problems, and headaches? Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity, and calmness, and relieves chronic stress — which means it’ll help you with all of the above.
C. Practicing yoga is healthy
This is no surprise, but it bears repeating. Yoga strengthens and stabilizes the spine, relieving back pain, stress, anxiety, and tension. It helps with weight reduction, maintaining a balanced metabolism, and increases flexibility. And these are only some of its host of benefits.
References:
“International Yoga Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/international-yoga-day/