International Day of Yoga: Celebrating Unity and Wellness

Every year, people all around the world celebrate the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in tribute to the ancient practice of yoga. The UN formally recognizes the International Day of Yoga (IDY), which falls on June 21st every year. It offers a platform for enlightening people about the significant benefits yoga offers for their mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

What is Yoga:

Yoga is a method to synchronize body, mind, and soul. It exists from an ancient time of Indian culture. It encompasses several body postures which are known as asanas. As well as some breathing exercises, known as pranayama and other rules that clarify the right lifestyle for the implementation of a valuable life. Patanjali’s classical text “ Yoga Sutras ” gives a general idea of the philosophies and practices.

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:

Better flexibility: some yoga postures are designed to stretch and elongate the muscles, thereby enhancing their flexibility and extending the range of motion.

Increased strength: some of the poses in yoga require participants to hold their positions for a time, a factor that increases muscle strength in such regions of the body as the core, arms and legs among others.

Stress reduction: yoga is essentially based on various breathing exercises that work towards balancing the stress-mediated release of Cortisol in the body.

Promoting better sleep: yoga nidra is a standard exercise for most practitioners and it is usually calming to the mind while stimulating body relaxation and other forms of technique.

Improves Mental Clarity: Yoga encourages mindfulness and presence, leading to greater mental clarity and focus in daily life.

Increased Energy Levels: Yoga practice increases the circulation and oxygen flow in the body making you feel more energized and refreshed.

Improved Posture: Because yoga promotes better body awareness and correct alignment it is helpful to get rid of poor posture habits.

Emotional balance: Higher self-awareness, self-acceptance and better emotional resilience make a person much calmer and able to deal with life’s stress effectively.

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 focus on 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:

In India, the International Day of Yoga is celebrated on a wide scale with much enthusiasm. In numerous cities and towns across the country, the day is inaugurated with the practice of yoga by yoga experts and enthusiasts on a large scale. Government programs such as that of the Ministry of AYUSH are vital for the organization of such events and for increasing public awareness about the health benefits of yoga. In addition, various cultural activities, lectures, and workshops are organized to emphasize different aspects of yoga and the relevance of its practice in today’s 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. Set a specific time for your practice, and go for it. 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: