International Day of Yoga: Celebrating Unity and Wellness

The International Day of Yoga (IDY) is celebrated worldwide honoring the age-old discipline of yoga. IDY, which takes place annually on June 21st and represents the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, is officially recognized by the UN. It provides a forum for educating people about the enormous advantages of yoga for their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

What is Yoga: 

Yoga is a holistic approach to body, mind, and spirit harmonization. It originated in ancient India thousands of years ago and includes a variety of practices such as physical postures called asanas, controlled breathing techniques called pranayama, meditation, and moral guidelines for leading a meaningful life. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, a classical text written between 400-500 CE, provide a basic understanding of the philosophies and practices of yoga.

Definitions According to Ancient Indian Texts:

योगश्चित्तवृत्तिनिरोधः (Yoga chitta vritti nirodha) - "Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind." (Yoga Sutra 1.2)

समत्वं योग उच्यते (Samatvam yoga uchyate) - "Yoga is equanimity." (Bhagavad Gita 2.48)

योगः कर्मसु कौशलम् (Yoga karmasu kaushalam) - "Yoga is skill in action." (Bhagavad Gita 2.50) 

Benefits of Yoga:

• Improved Flexibility: Yoga asanas help you stretch and lengthen your muscles, improving flexibility and range of motion.
• Increased Strength: Holding yoga poses builds strength in various muscle groups, including the core, arms, and legs.
• Stress Reduction: Deep breathing and mindfulness practices in yoga help in calming the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
• Better Sleep: Practicing yoga nidra before bedtime can help quiet the mind and relax the body, leading to improved sleep quality.
• Improves Mental Clarity: Yoga encourages mindfulness and presence, leading to greater mental clarity and focus in daily life.
• Boosted Energy Levels: Regular yoga practice increases circulation and oxygen flow in the body, leaving you feeling more energized and revitalized.
• Improved Posture: Yoga promotes proper alignment and body awareness, helping to correct poor posture habits.
• Emotional Balance: Yoga cultivates self-awareness and emotional resilience, providing tools to navigate life's challenges with greater ease and calmness.

Relationship between Yoga and Ayurveda: 

Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences that share a common root and goal which is to promote health and wellbeing. Ayurveda stresses the balance of body energies (doshas), nutrition, and lifestyle, whereas yoga emphasizes the union of body, mind, and spirit via asanas and meditation. These age-old practices work best when combined to provide a thorough approach to holistic healing and well-being.

IDY in India: 

The International Day of Yoga is widely and enthusiastically celebrated in India. In several cities and towns around the nation, the day starts with large-scale yoga demonstrations performed by yoga experts and enthusiasts. Government programs like the Ministry of AYUSH are essential for planning events and raising public knowledge of yoga's health advantages. Additionally, cultural events, lectures, and workshops are organized to highlight the different aspects of yoga and its applicability in contemporary society.

What Indian and Global Leaders Say?

"Yoga is not just exercise and asanas. It is the emotional integration and spiritual elevation with a touch of mystic element, which gives you a glimpse of something beyond all imagination." - Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

"Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured." - B.K.S. Iyengar

"The very heart of yoga practice is 'abyhasa' – steady effort in the direction you want to go." - Sally Kempton

"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." - The Bhagavad Gita

How to Practice Yoga on IDY: 

Taking part in International Day of Yoga may be a fulfilling experience, regardless of your level of expertise. You can either take part in an open-to-all all yoga class organized by the government or by several NGOs like the Art of Living or Choose a yoga class or teacher that you connect with first, then experiment with several yoga methods to see which ones work best for your body and mind. Assign a specific area and time for your practice, and go into it with an open heart and mind. Keep in mind that yoga is about progress rather than perfection, so as you set out on this path of self-discovery, treat yourself with kindness and patience.

Conclusion: 

Let's embrace this age-old practice as a means of achieving holistic well-being and self-realization on this International Day of Yoga. Beyond its health advantages, yoga provides us with a significant chance to connect with others and ourselves, promoting harmony and oneness in a society when division is becoming the norm. Let's pledge to include yoga into our daily routines and share its message of compassion and peace with everyone. Let us connect in the spirit of yoga as we breathe and stretch together, And spread the message of “sangachhadhwam” (Let’s Move Together) and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the whole world is one family).