On June 21, International Yoga Day honors the progression that yoga has made, becoming common practice as a physical and spiritual discipline. Even though its routine may be seen as primitive, it’s appreciated nonetheless. These routines have been practiced for centuries, serving as a means of connection between the body, mind, and soul.
Yoga brings everyone together
The definition of yoga is as follows, union. And you could also look at it as, to yoke. This is why people across India and other parts of the world are taking part in yoga day. Through a number of ways from chanting mantras to meditating to physical postures; all people come together under one roof for an hour or so. Not only does it help in uniting individuals but also brings countries together. The entire day is celebrated around 1:00pm Indian Standard Time which can be observed by hundreds of millions of people through television, radio and live events throughout not just India but various cities worldwide such as New York City, Los Angeles, London and Toronto.
BY THE NUMBERS
$2.5 billion – the amount Americans spend on yoga instruction annually.
5% – the percentage of people who have given either children or their pets Sanskrit names.
300 – the circulation of the first edition of “Yoga Journal.”
10 – the number of pages in the first edition of “Yoga Journal.”
1.7 million – the number of American children under 17 who practice yoga.
1975 – the year when the first issue of “Yoga Journal” was launched.
15% – the percentage of people who go to an annual yoga retreat.
200,000 – the number of yoga instructors in India.
The benefits are endless
Science shows that yoga can help you sleep better, improve your mood, boost blood circulation and reduce pain. What more do you need? Regardless of whether it’s practiced for its physical or mental benefits, yoga improves overall health and well-being by encouraging people to take an active role in their own fitness. You don’t need a special room or expensive gear – just a mat is fine. The day provides access to those who otherwise may not be able to attend classes due to scheduling or financial barriers. Whether you’re into competitive yoga or enjoy practicing at home, get outside and celebrate International Yoga Day! While there are numerous benefits associated with regular practice, we encourage anyone and everyone to try it out on June 21st.
Different styles of Yoga
As you may know, there are a number of different styles of yoga. While each is unique in its own way, most can be grouped into one of three categories: Hatha, Vinyasa and Bikram. Hatha yoga focuses on postures (asana), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation; Vinyasa yoga emphasizes linking these postures together in an athletic flow; Bikram is just 90 minutes of asanas in a heated room! No matter what style you practice, it’s important to make sure your form is correct before engaging in more advanced practices. For example, poor hand positioning could lead to wrist or forearm injury if practiced regularly.
INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2022 THEME: “Yoga for Humanity’
This year’s theme focuses on how yoga can be a vehicle for bringing peace and harmony to humanity. It is a reminder that yoga is more than just asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing exercises), but it’s also about being aware of one’s surroundings, recognizing our interconnectedness with all beings, and using yoga to create peace in ourselves and in our communities.
The 8th edition of International Day of Yoga (IDY) is being celebrated with the theme ‘Yoga for Humanity’. The United Nations, government bodies, and local authorities are fully involved in the participation of International Yoga Day. The pandemic had brought normal life to a halt and now as things are slowly regaining their momentum yoga is at the forefront of life. The world has recognized the immense benefits of yoga in building one’s immunity and helping to protect against any virus and infectious diseases.
