9th International Day of Yoga 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'

Yoga, an ancient practice that originated in India, has become a global phenomenon, celebrated and embraced by people from all walks of life. Its profound impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being has earned it recognition as a holistic approach to achieving balance and harmony in life.

On the International Day of Yoga, observed annually on June 21st, people worldwide come together to honour and spread awareness about the transformative power of yoga.

9th International Day of Yoga 2023

The International Day of Yoga was officially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014, following a draft proposal from India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, to recognise yoga as a universal practice that transcends cultural boundaries.

The draft resolution was endorsed by 175 members of the United Nations, which is a record number to date.

“Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action ... a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the 69th United Nations General Assembly

Since then, this day has been observed with great enthusiasm in numerous countries, showcasing the immense popularity and acceptance of yoga as a means to enhance physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

This year’s International Day of Yoga theme is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a Sanskrit phrase meaning The World is One Family.

This phrase is found in several ancient texts and is considered one of the core principles of the ancient Indian lifestyle. Uniting oneself with the universe empowers the individual to attain the highest level of spiritual progress.

Not only does this principle unites every living being under one umbrella, but it also stresses the diminutive quality of a single entity on its own. We are all nothing on our own and everything together.

Adapting this phrase to this year’s theme aims to turn the spotlight on the holistic approach to wellness preached by yoga and at the same time enlighten us all to embrace one another in the current world dominated by technology.

A lifestyle fastly moving towards self-isolation and descending mental health, when it should have been the opposite with such vastly advanced technologies at hand, has formed a sad world indeed.

Yoga, on the other hand, is the propagator of all things exactly opposite. It encourages communal growth, a holistic approach to physical and mental health and brings about overall harmony within oneself and among communities.

There is no social condemnation while practising yoga. It helps everyone accept themselves and others without condition. It fosters love, kindness and peace.

Thus, it all comes around to our theme of this year - Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. When we embrace everyone as our family, there will be nothing but harmony in our lives.

Why do we need to incorporate Yoga into our lives?

Yoga encompasses different practices, including physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and philosophical principles.

Its benefits extend beyond physical fitness, as regular practitioners often experience improved flexibility, strength, stress reduction, increased mindfulness, and a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at some of the benefits and improvements yoga brings into our lives.

Yoga promotes strength, flexibility, and balance through various postures and movements. It improves cardiovascular health, enhances muscle tone, and increases overall physical fitness.

Regular practice can also alleviate chronic pain, improve digestion, boost the immune system, and promote better sleep.

Yoga incorporates mindfulness and deep breathing techniques that calm the mind and reduce stress. It helps manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Practising yoga enhances focus, concentration, and cognitive abilities, leading to greater mental clarity and emotional stability.

Yoga fosters a deep connection between the mind, body, and spirit. It helps cultivate self-awareness, self-acceptance, and self-compassion, leading to a more balanced emotional state.

It also encourages emotional regulation, resilience, and the ability to cope with life's challenges.

Yoga has deep roots in spiritual (not religious) traditions and offers a path for spiritual exploration and growth. It provides a means to connect with one's inner self and tap into a sense of higher consciousness.

Through meditation and self-reflection, yoga can lead to profound spiritual experiences and a greater understanding of oneself and the universe.

Yoga addresses the individual as a whole, considering physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. It promotes a holistic lifestyle emphasising self-care, healthy habits, and mindful living.

Beyond the beneficial influences on the body and mind, Yoga advocates a rich community aspect that fosters connection and support. This nourishes the spirit inside humans as we, at the base of it all, are social beings.

Participating in yoga classes or joining yoga communities provides opportunities for social interaction, shared experiences, and a sense of belonging. This also opens the door to meeting individuals with similar thinking and on the path of wellness.

Yoga empowers us to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, fostering physical vitality, mental clarity, emotional well-being, and spiritual growth.

By embracing yoga, we can enhance our overall quality of life and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.

To end on a harmonious note,

The International Day of Yoga serves as a reminder of the universal potential for inner growth and self-discovery that yoga offers. It highlights the importance of nurturing a harmonious relationship between the body, mind and spirit. It also encourages individuals to incorporate yogic practices into their daily lives for overall well-being.

As we celebrate the International Day of Yoga this year, let us embrace this ancient wisdom and commit to cultivating a healthier, more balanced existence, individually and collectively.

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(Let the entire world be happy)