“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being. Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”
— Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly
Yoga originated in India but it’s just 6 years back when our honorable Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi addressed the importance of it and suggested the date of 21st June as International Yoga Day as it is the longest day of the year in Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world.
On 21st June 2015, 35,985 people, including Mr. Narendra Modi and dignitaries from 84 nations, performed 21 ASANAs (yoga postures) for 35 minutes at Rajpath, New Delhi, making it the largest yoga class ever held, and with the largest number—84—of participating nationalities.
Yoga is a way of living that aims towards a healthy mind in a healthy body., It is one of the best gifts from India to the world as it exists in Indian culture from ages. Though with the evergrowing influence of western-style, the practice of yoga was depleting but in the last 2 decades, it has been revived, and now it’s one of the most efficient ways of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Especially among the middle age group, Yoga is considered above all other kinds of health practices.
Not even in India but across the globe, people are accepting the benefits of Yoga and making it part of their regular life. There are millions of yoga practitioners across the globe now.
At one end where there are many modern practices like Gyming, Aerobics, Zoomba, etc which helps in only physical well being. On the other hand, Yoga helps promote a balanced development of the physical, mental, and spiritual being. Yoga asanas build strength, flexibility, and confidence. Regular practice of yoga can help lose weight, relieve stress, improve immunity, and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Practicing Yoga recharges the body with cosmic energy and facilitates:
- Attainment of perfect equilibrium and harmony
- Promotes self- healing.
- Removes negative blocks from the mind and toxins from the body
- Enhances personal power
- Helps in attention, focus, and concentration, especially important for children
- Reduces stress and tension in the physical body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system
The practitioner feels rejuvenated and energized. Thus, yoga bestows the powers to control the body and mind.
Top 5 Asanas which you must practice every morning:
1. Anulom Vilom Pranayama or Opposite Nasal Breathing
2. Kapalbhati Pranayama
3. Half a Spinal Twist or Ardh Matsyendrasana
4. Vrikshasana or the Tree pose
5. The Headstand or Shirshasana
So, what are you waiting for? Let this International Yoga Day bring a visible change to your life. Start practicing Yoga for a healthy and peaceful life. You can do Yoga in the early morning just after waking up from your good night’s sleep. It can be done on an empty stomach as well.
#Stay healthy #Stay Safe
Happy International Yoga day!!
