More Than Just a Day
First, a little context. The idea for an International Day of Yoga was proposed by India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, during his address to the UN General Assembly in 2014. He described yoga as an "invaluable gift of India's ancient tradition" that
embodies unity of mind and body. The proposal received overwhelming support, and the first International Yoga Day was celebrated in 2015. It's a day that honours the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world for thousands of years, and a reminder of its power to harmonise our inner and outer worlds. Each year, the day is marked by a specific theme focusing on an aspect of wellbeing, from yoga for community to yoga for humanity.
Start Simple: Three Asanas for Beginners
Intimidated by those pretzel-like poses on Instagram? Don't be. Yoga meets you where you are. The journey of a thousand asanas begins with a single, simple stretch. Here are three foundational poses you can try right now: 1. **Tadasana (Mountain Pose):** Simply stand tall with your feet together, ground yourself through your soles, engage your leg muscles, and relax your shoulders down and back. It looks easy, but this pose teaches you the fundamentals of alignment and posture. 2. **Balasana (Child's Pose):** This is a resting pose. Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and fold forward, resting your forehead on the mat. It’s a gentle stretch for the back and a go-to for when you need a moment of calm. 3. **Sukhasana (Easy Pose):** This is the classic cross-legged seated position. Sit on the floor, cross your shins, and rest your hands on your knees. Focus on sitting with a straight spine. It’s perfect for practicing simple breathing exercises or a short meditation.
Find Your Flow: Free Digital Resources
You don't need an expensive studio membership to start. The digital world is your yoga shala. The Ministry of Ayush often provides free online sessions and resources in the lead-up to June 21. Beyond that, YouTube is a treasure trove of free, high-quality instruction for all levels. Channels like 'Yoga With Adriene' are globally popular for their welcoming approach, while many Indian instructors offer classes in English and regional languages. The WHO even has an mYoga app with practices for beginners. Find a voice and style that resonates with you and roll out your mat in the comfort of your home.
Join a Community Event
One of the most beautiful aspects of International Yoga Day is the sense of community. All across India, parks, public squares, and community centres host mass yoga sessions, often for free. From the iconic gatherings at Kartavya Path in Delhi to smaller events in your local neighbourhood park, participating with others adds a powerful layer of shared energy to your practice. Keep an eye on local news, government websites, and community social media groups to find an event near you. Even if you just go to observe, the collective positive energy is infectious.
Beyond the Mat: Integrate Yogic Principles
Yoga is not just a workout; it's a way of living. This International Yoga Day, you can also 'get ready' by exploring principles that don't require a mat. Try a simple breathing exercise (pranayama) like deep belly breathing to calm your nervous system during a stressful workday. Practice mindfulness for five minutes—just sit and pay attention to your senses without judgment. The philosophy of yoga encourages self-awareness, compassion, and non-harm (ahimsa). Embracing even one of these ideas can bring a little more 'yoga' into your daily life.
