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World Yoga Day 2024: Breathe. Flow. Be
"Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self." - The Bhagavad Gita
In our fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the daily grind. We're constantly bombarded with to-do lists, deadlines, and the relentless demands of modern life.
But once a year, on International Yoga Day, also known as World Yoga Day, people around the globe find a shared solution – they roll out their mats, take a deep breath, and dive into the world of yoga.
But what makes this day so special, and why does it resonate with people worldwide? Let's delve into the heart of this worldwide event and discover the transformative power of yoga.
The Significance of June 21
Why June 21? It's the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the summer solstice. This day holds special significance in many parts of the world, symbolizing the transition from spring to summer.
June 21 symbolizes light, clarity, and awakening – all of which are aspects of yoga. The summer solstice is a time of renewal and rebirth, mirroring the transformative power of yoga.
Celebrating Yoga Day 2024
International Yoga Day 2024 promises to be a grand event, with people from all walks of life participating in yoga sessions worldwide. The day will see a series of activities, including yoga demonstrations, discussions, music and meditation sessions, and more.
Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions will organize special yoga sessions for students, emphasizing the importance of yoga in maintaining physical and mental health.
The Theme of International Yoga Day 2024
Each year, Yoga Divas is celebrated with a specific theme to focus on an aspect of yoga that can benefit society. For instance, the theme of international yoga day 2022 was “Yoga for Humanity” which was intended to shed light on the physical, mental and emotional state of people.
The theme for 2024 is "Yoga For Women Empowerment."
The History of International Yoga Day
The idea of an International Yoga Day was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 during his address to the United Nations General Assembly.
He suggested this day to raise global awareness about the numerous benefits of practicing yoga. The proposal received overwhelming support, with a record 177 nations co-sponsoring the resolution. The first International Yoga Day was celebrated worldwide on June 21, 2015.
Also read: Meditation vs yoga: Which practice suits you the best?
The Evolution of Yoga Day Celebrations
Over the years, World Yoga Day has grown in popularity. The day is not just about performing yoga postures but also about spreading awareness of the benefits of yoga and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
Yoga sessions, workshops, and seminars are organized in various parts of the world, where experts and enthusiasts come together..
In India, the day is marked with mass yoga sessions attended by government officials, celebrities, and thousands of citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi often leads the session in New Delhi, with similar events held in cities across India and around the world.
These events serve as a platform to discuss the impact of yoga on health and lifestyle and to promote its incorporation into daily routines.
Also read: Yoga vs Gym Training: Which is Better for Weight Loss?
The Power of Yoga
Yoga is more than just a form of exercise. It's a holistic practice that improves mental health, promotes physical fitness, and fosters spiritual growth. You can do yoga for anxiety, stress management, flexibility and balance, concentration, and overall wellness. On International Yoga Day, let's embrace the power of yoga and make it an integral part of our lives.
If you’re new to yoga and need a headstart, Level SuperMind has an entire Yoga series for you. Not just for beginners, there are yoga poses for people at intermediate and advanced levels as well.
Also read: What is the right type of meditation for you?
Meditation: The Heart of Yoga
While yoga is often associated with physical postures, it's a meditative practice at its core.
Meditation is an integral part of yoga, helping to quiet the mind and deepen the connection between mind and body. Meditation involves focusing the mind, often by concentrating on a specific thought, object, or activity. It encourages attention and awareness, helping to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
On International Yoga Day, meditation takes center stage.
Also read: 9 Buddhist Mantras for Happiness, success, love, peace
This World Yoga Day, let's not forget to take a few moments to sit in silence, close our eyes, and meditate.
Also read: How to do meditation for overthinkers
Meditate with Level SuperMind
Meditation isn't just for monks. It's for everyone looking to improve focus, manage stress better and sleep well. The best part is, when you use apps like Level SuperMind for guided meditation, it becomes easier to focus on the instructions and be regular at it.
To begin with, listen to Day 01 of the Beginner's series in the soothing voice of Ranveer Allahbadia.
Choose meditations as per your preference- duration, language and requirement and join our community of 800k+ users.
The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers a multitude of benefits for both the body and the mind. Physically, it can increase flexibility, improve balance, enhance strength, and promote better posture. Regular yoga practice can also help manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Mentally, yoga is known for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. It encourages mindfulness and helps create a sense of calm and peace. It can also improve concentration, memory, and cognitive functioning.
Different Types of Yoga
There are several types of yoga, each with its unique focus and benefits. Hatha Yoga, for example, is great for beginners and focuses on basic postures and breathing exercises. Ashtanga Yoga is a more challenging style that follows a specific sequence of postures. Vinyasa Yoga involves fluid transitions between poses and is often paired with music. Yin Yoga is a slow-paced style where poses are held for longer periods, ideal for stretching and meditation.
Also read: Nama-stay in Bed: Best Yoga Poses for Sleep
Starting a Yoga Practice
Starting a yoga practice is easier than you might think. All you need is a quiet space, a yoga mat, and comfortable clothing. Begin with simple poses, and gradually move on to more complex ones as your flexibility and strength improve. Remember, the goal is not to perform the perfect pose but to connect with your body and mind.
Morning yoga sessions can be a great way to kickstart your day. They can help to boost your energy, clear your mind, and set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Yoga increases your flexibility, improves posture, and boosts mood. It can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being that can carry through the rest of your day.
On International Yoga Day, many people start their day with a morning yoga session. You're not just doing yoga on your own, but at the same time as millions of people around the world, so this can be a very powerful experience. It's a reminder of the global yoga community and the shared commitment to health and well-being.
Begin your yoga journey on Level SuperMind
International Yoga Day is the perfect time to start your journey towards better health and wellness. And the Level SuperMind app provides a wide range of yoga sessions that caters to practitioners of all levels - from beginners looking to establish a consistent practice, to experienced yogis seeking to deepen their routines.
For PCOD: Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) is a common hormonal condition that affects many women. By combining gentle asanas, breathwork, and meditation, these stretches can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and alleviate other PCOD-related symptoms.
For holistic health: For those new to yoga or looking to deepen their practice, Surya Namaskar is a fundamental yoga sequence that offers numerous physical and mental benefits like weight loss, reduced stress and anxiety, mental clarity and posture improvement.
For busy schedule: For those with busy schedules, the "Guide to Office Yoga" offers quick, rejuvenating yoga sessions that can be practiced right at the desk, helping users integrate mindfulness and movement into their workday.
For different purposes: Whether someone is seeking to build strength with "Strong like a Warrior" or improve their confidence with "Enhance your Confidence," the app provides accessible, expert-led classes to support their wellness journey.
FAQs
Why is International Yoga Day celebrated?
To raise awareness about the benefits of practicing yoga and encourage people to incorporate it into their daily routines for a healthier lifestyle.
When was the first International Day of Yoga?
The first International Day of Yoga was celebrated on June 21, 2015, coinciding with the summer solstice.
What is the slogan of International Yoga Day?
The slogan is "Yoga for Harmony and Peace," highlighting yoga's ability to foster unity and tranquility within individuals and communities.
What is the theme of International Yoga Day 2024?
The theme for 2024 is "Yoga For Women Empowerment." This theme highlights the vital role yoga can play in empowering women by promoting physical health, mental strength, and emotional resilience.
Where is Yoga Mahotsav 2024 held?
Yoga Mahotsav 2024 is held in New Delhi, India, as a precursor to the International Day of Yoga.
Final thoughts
Yoga is a powerful tool for mental health. It can help manage stress, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve sleep quality. The meditative aspects of yoga promote mindfulness, helping you stay present and focused. This can be particularly beneficial in our fast-paced world, where distractions are abundant.
Yoga is not about exercise but discovering the sense of oneness with ourselves, the world, and nature.
