“Yoga adds years to your life and life to your years”
To celebrate the essence of oneness and unity, Yoga has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends borders, cultures, and beliefs. As the United Nations designated June 21 as International Yoga Day, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to nurture our well-being and cultivate a harmonious global community. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘The world is one family,’ and Yoga becomes the thread that weaves us all together, embracing the profound concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the belief that the entire world is one family.
Amidst the fast-paced and interconnected world we live in today, the significance of Yoga resonates deeply. It goes beyond physical fitness and delves into the realms of mental and spiritual wellness. By incorporating the practice of Yoga into our lives, we unlock the gateway to inner peace, balance, and self-awareness. Yoga becomes a transformative force that not only strengthens our physical bodies but also nurtures our mental faculties, fostering clarity, focus, and emotional resilience.
Theme for International Yoga Day 2023
The theme for Yoga Day in 2023, “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” encapsulates the profound concept of oneness and unity among all beings. It emphasizes the role of Yoga in fostering a global family and promoting a sense of interconnectedness in our diverse world.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, an ancient Sanskrit phrase, translates to “the world is one family.” It signifies the belief that all individuals, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background, are interconnected and share a common destiny. This theme highlights the transformative power of Yoga in aligning our individual well-being with the well-being of the entire global community.
The theme also invites us to explore the broader implications of Yoga beyond its immediate impact on physical health. While Yoga indeed provides numerous physical benefits, it extends its influence to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By nurturing these aspects of ourselves, we become more attuned to the needs and struggles of others, inspiring us to act with kindness, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards the collective.
What Is The Origin Of International Yoga Day?
The idea of marking a day as International Day of Yoga was first proposed by our Honorable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. He emphasized Yoga as an “invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition” and a bridge of “harmony between man and nature”.
On 11 December 2014, Mr Ashok Mukherjee, India Permanent Representative to the UN presented the draft resolution in the United General Assembly. The resolution garnered huge support from 177 Member States, the highest number of co-sponsors ever for any such UNGA Resolution. Since then June 21 was proclaimed as the International Day of Yoga.
Reserve Bank of India in 2015, issued a 10 rupees commemorative coin to mark International Yoga Day. Thereafter in April 2017, United Nation Postal Administration or UNPA too issued 10 stamps on Asanas on a single sheet to mark Yoga Day. Besides this, June 21 is also the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and is called the Summer Solstice.
Some Yoga Institutes
Yoga is becoming popular in the world today, with many nations practicing it. It is widely practiced for health and relaxation. There are institutes that will teach you various yoga asanas. Some of them are listed below.
- Parmarth Niketan Ashram – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Isha Yoga Center- Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
- Ananda in the Himalayas – Garhwal, Narendra Nagar, Uttarakhand
- Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute – Gokulam, Mysore
- The Art of Living Ashram, Bangalore
- Bihar School of Yoga, Munger
Significance of Yoga in this Stressful Lifestyle
The lifestyle that we are living in is so stressful and competitive that if we lack out on any front the loss occurred is enormous. With so many responsibilities, long working hours and busy schedules, we forget what happiness is all about. To maintain a balance between our personnel and professional front we must have a healthy and mental wellness balance. As said “Health is not everything, but without health everything is nothing”. So here comes why making yoga a part of our daily life is essential.
- Yoga promotes self-healing besides increasing self-awareness
- Boost immunity and removes toxins from the body
- Increased concentration and focus
- Reduces stress level and tension in the body
- Increases muscle strength and flexibility
- Lowers blood pressure and risk of heart diseases
- Improves brain function and lung capacity
- Yoga can help reduce anxiety
- Practising yoga could help in decreasing symptoms of depression
Why Should You Practice Yoga Daily?
Practicing yoga can help reduce many types of chronic pain that affects millions of people globally
Well, the benefits of including yoga in our daily lifestyle are immense and a single article is not enough to represent all its benefits. So on this International Day of Yoga make a resolution to yourself that Yoga will be a part of your daily routine.
How Should You Practice Yoga Daily?
To establish a daily yoga practice, here are some guidelines to help you get started and maintain consistency:
- Set a regular schedule: Choose a specific time each day that works best for you to practice yoga. It could be in the morning to energize your day or in the evening to unwind and relax. Consistency is key, so aim to practice at the same time every day.
- Create a dedicated space: Designate a quiet and peaceful area in your home where you can practice yoga. Clear the space of any distractions and gather your yoga mat, props (if needed), and any other accessories that enhance your practice.
- Start with a warm-up: Begin your practice with a gentle warm-up to prepare your body for the yoga poses. This can include gentle stretches, joint movements, and deep breathing exercises.
- Follow a sequence or class: Choose a yoga sequence or join an online class that suits your level and preferences. You can find a wide variety of sequences, videos, and apps that cater to different styles of yoga, such as Hatha, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga. Alternatively, you can design your own sequence based on the poses you enjoy.
- Listen to your body: While practicing yoga, honor your body’s limitations and avoid pushing yourself beyond your comfortable range of motion. Respect any injuries or conditions you may have and modify the poses as necessary. Remember, yoga is a personal journey, and it’s important to focus on your own progress without comparing yourself to others.
- Cultivate mindfulness and breath awareness: Throughout your practice, pay attention to your breath. Breathe deeply and smoothly, synchronizing each movement with your inhales and exhales. Stay present in the moment, observing sensations, thoughts, and emotions without judgment.
- End with relaxation or meditation: Dedicate a few minutes at the end of your practice to relaxation or meditation. This allows your body and mind to integrate the benefits of your practice and helps promote a sense of inner peace and well-being.
Besides this June 21 is also World Hydrography Day. This day highlights the importance of hydrography which is the science of surveying and charting water bodies. The theme for 2023 is “Hydrography – underpinning the digital twin of the ocean”. INS Sandhayak, the Indian Navy’s oldest Hydrographic Survey Vessel got decommissioned on 04 June 2023 after serving the nation for 40 glorious years.
June 21 is also celebrated as World Music Day. Also known as Fête de la Musique in France, where its birth took place in 1982. Since then it has been celebrated globally to promote young and amateur musicians to perform and show their talent. Concerts are held for all budding musicians to promote their talent through music no matter which heritage or background they belong to as music lovers feel- “There is music for every mood and every soul”.
Wrapping Up
ixamBee wishes every aspirant a Happy International Yoga Day with the hope that May this International Yoga Day 2023 inspires us to cultivate inner and outer harmony, reminding us that in the vast expanse of this world, we are truly one family, bound by the timeless wisdom of Yoga. Practice hard towards your dream by attempting free mocks for various exams like NABARD, IBPS RRB and many more. If you feel you need guidance do have a look into our various online courses like IBPS RRB Scale 2 IT, IBPS RRB Scale 2 AFO, and others.