Hello fellow yogis and friends!
Today is a special day because on the 21st of June, we celebrate the International Yoga Day. As with every commemoration, the main aim is to bring awareness to the topic. In this case, to a beautiful practice - yoga and its benefits. In this post, I would like to give you an overview of this celebration and share my story. Without further ado, let’s jump straight into it!
It all started in 2014, when the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi presented the idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day to the United Nations General Assembly. Shortly after, the 21st of June was officially declared the most important day for yogis worldwide. This date is also significant because it happens to be the longest day of the year in many parts of the world. This unique moon position was also crucial in Hindu mythology. It has inspired Shiva (the very first yogi, creator of the universe) to become a guru and spread his yoga teachings to the world.
Since 2015, International Yoga Day has beaten many Guinness records in the number of participants in yoga classes. Even the Prime Minister himself joins his citizens in performing asanas.
This year, a theme chosen for the International Yoga Day is “Yoga for Humanity". When we were only able to take a breath from the pandemic, the world did not give us a rest and faced us with cataclysm and war. Many people still suffer from its consequences. Yoga practice not only helps us to calm down and to find inner peace but also benefits us physically. The influence it has on our bodies is incredible.
For me, yoga was essential in boosting my confidence. When I started practising daily, I noticed that it helped me building my strength and improving my posture. Additionally, it impacted my mind in a good way. I grew as a yogi, became passionate about this culture and lived it. I can say that yoga shaped who I am today and made me a better person.
Therefore, with this short post, I wanted to express how much yoga can change our life. And no, you do not need to be strong, be flexible, stand on your head or spread into splits. All that matters is to breathe, to flow with its rhythm and just to enjoy the time you are giving yourself.
I encourage everyone to celebrate this special day while doing something good for their body and mind. Maybe find the nearest yoga studio (or one of those recommended by me) and join the class? Perhaps you can try to practice with YouTube or simply just sit down, relax and take a moment to breathe deeply...
Today, I am joining a class at the Mandarin Hotel organized by Frizzant's teacher - Valentin (I wrote about this studio here). Who wants to join?
Happy Yoga Day!
Namaste!
Photos by @misskarbovska
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