Origin:
Celebrated worldwide, International Day of Yoga, originally proposed by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and dignitaries from 84 countries at the UN General Assembly on 21st June 2015. Yoga is a practice that gives strength, flexibility, and mind-body awareness if performed regularly. It’s an effective transformation that offers a mind-body approach for the utmost relaxation and energizing process.
Some Quick Facts on International Day of Yoga:
- The first time celebrated in India with PM Modi & dignitaries from 84 countries. 21 Yoga asanas & postures were performed for 35 minutes. This was one of the largest yoga classes ever held across the world and thus locked a moment for a lifetime in global history.
- Practicing yoga postures and asanas refresh the mind and bring clarity to the thinking process.
- The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word, the root that means to attach, join, and harness. According to the context of yoga sutras, the word Yoga means Union i.e., to join or unite, referring to the union of body and mind.
- In total, there are 84 classic Asanas according to several ancient texts and scriptures. twelve basic postures offer a perfect exercise for every body part, bone, and joint.
Some of the highly known and performed asanas:
- The Sun Salutation (Surya Namaskar),
- Leg Raises
- Basic Breathing (Pranayama)
- The Plough (Hala Asana)
- The Shoulder Stand (Sarvang Asana)
- The Fish (Matsya Asana)
- The Bow (Dhanur Asana)
- The Lotus (Padma Asana), and many more valuable and effective asanas are there that we have been gifted with. Yoga is a gift to energize and relax every body part, organ, and importantly the 5 basic yet vital elements of the human body.
- It is said to lead a healthy, disease-free, and happy life; the five elements need to be balanced, otherwise, it may result in anxiety, depression, continuous prey to infections and diseases. The five elements are fire, water, air, earth, and ether. To achieve the utmost control over life, one should cleanse and work on these 5 elements by performing various yoga postures, asanas, a healthy lifestyle, and a balanced diet.
- According to the Hindu scripture, The Bhagavad Gita, Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. As you follow it daily, you can attain a better relationship with the self while cleansing body and mental processes.
How Does Yoga Benefit Your Body?
The interesting studies about yoga can be summed up by shedding light on its varied benefits on both physical and mental well-being:
Physical Benefits:
- Improved flexibility
- Increased muscle strength and toning
- Helpful in Weight-loss
- Maintaining a balanced metabolism
- Improved athletic performance
- Improved respiration, energy, and vitality
- Enriched Cardio and circulatory health
- Protection and quick recovery from injuries
Mental Benefits: - Stress & anxiety management
- Aids in fighting depression
- Relief in Headaches
- Improved concentration
- Balances & Strengthen Nervous System
- Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat (Sat. June 20 – Sun 21 June): It is organized by Toronto Island Yoga Center. Come and join them to practice yoga for relaxation, follow guided meditation, morning & evening sessions. A true experience of rejuvenation and relaxation.
- TEMPLE GROOVE ONLINE – Yoga + Ecstatic Dance: They are providing live streaming events via Zoom and going weekly as of April 12th so that attendees could be uplifted, motivated, towards the dynamic and meditative experience. Silent Meditation w/ Soundbath, Kundalini Yoga Experience with Chris Dub, Ecstatic Dance with live DJ set by DJ KIRTAN (Bill Kubina) or J Groove (Jesse Buck) are some of the attractions of the event.
- To understand more about the benefits of yoga, how it can remove negative experiences, and improve quality of life, it is recommended to watch a documentary: Why We Breathe. A Yoga Documentary and Enlighten Up!
Similarly, many other forums, organizations, and yogic alliances are there who are providing unique facilities to make you comfortable with regular practices, gain knowledge through vocational courses, online training sessions, and an ocean of opportunities.