Who founded yoga?
Sage Maharshi Patanjali
Though Yoga was being practiced in the pre-Vedic period, the great Sage Maharshi Patanjali systematized and codified the then existing practices of Yoga, its meaning and its related knowledge through his Yoga Sutras.
first international yoga day
June 21, 2015
It was first observed on June 21, 2015. From then, International Yoga Day has become a global phenomenon, and it is now celebrated in over 190 countries. Credit to Google
International Yoga Day, 21 june
International Yoga Day is a global celebration observed annually on June 21. It provides a significant platform to increase awareness about the multitude of benefits that yoga offers and promotes its holistic approach to enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
This auspicious day encourages individuals worldwide to embrace yoga as a way of life and highlights its transformative power in promoting harmony, balance, and inner peace. Through various events, demonstrations, and discussions, International Yoga Day aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to adopt yoga practices and experience the profound positive effects it can have on their overall health and well-being.
Why do we celebrate International yoga day?
- Promotes physical well-being: Yoga is celebrated for its numerous health benefits, such as improving flexibility, strength, and balance, and promoting overall fitness.
- Enhances mental well-being: Yoga is known for its positive effects on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while promoting mindfulness and relaxation.
- Cultivates self-awareness: Yoga encourages self-reflection and introspection, helping individuals develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their emotions.
- Connects mind and body: Celebrating yoga highlights its emphasis on the mind-body connection, recognizing that physical and mental health are interconnected.
- Encourages mindfulness: Yoga promotes present-moment awareness and mindfulness, allowing individuals to focus on the here and now and develop a deeper sense of gratitude.
- Supports overall wellness: Yoga is celebrated as a holistic practice that addresses not only physical and mental well-being but also spiritual growth and inner peace.
- Provides a sense of community: Yoga events and activities bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and creating a supportive and inclusive community.
- Celebrates cultural heritage: Yoga originated in ancient India and is deeply rooted in Indian philosophy and spirituality. Celebrating yoga recognizes and honors this rich cultural heritage.
- Inspires personal growth: Practicing yoga encourages self-improvement, personal growth, and self-empowerment, helping individuals become the best version of themselves.
- Promotes global unity: Yoga celebrations are a global phenomenon, transcending borders and cultures. They emphasize unity and the shared pursuit of well-being, promoting a sense of global interconnectedness.
10 benefits of Yoga
Yoga offers numerous benefits for both the body and mind. Here are ten benefits of practicing yoga:
- Improved flexibility: Regular yoga practice helps improve flexibility and mobility in the body by stretching and lengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
- Increased strength: Yoga poses require you to support your body weight, which helps build strength in your muscles, including the core, arms, legs, and back.
- Stress reduction: Yoga incorporates breathing exercises, meditation, and relaxation techniques that help reduce stress levels, calm the mind, and promote a sense of overall well-being.
- Enhanced posture: Practicing yoga helps improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support proper alignment. It can alleviate back, neck, and shoulder pain caused by poor posture.
- Better balance and coordination: Many yoga poses involve balancing on one leg or challenging your stability, which enhances your balance and coordination skills.
- Increased energy and vitality: Yoga practices, such as Sun Salutations, can invigorate the body, increase blood flow, and boost energy levels, providing a natural and sustainable energy source.
- Improved focus and concentration: The mindfulness aspect of yoga helps improve concentration and mental clarity, enhancing cognitive function and productivity in daily life.
- Better sleep quality: Yoga relaxes the nervous system, reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes a sense of calm, which can lead to improved sleep quality and better overall sleep patterns.
- Enhanced cardiovascular health: Certain forms of yoga, such as Vinyasa or Power Yoga, can be physically demanding and provide a cardiovascular workout, improving heart health and circulation.
- Increased self-awareness and mindfulness: Yoga encourages self-reflection and introspection, helping you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and overall state of being. This heightened self-awareness can lead to personal growth and a deeper connection with yourself.
It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and it’s advisable to consult with a qualified yoga instructor or healthcare professional before starting a new exercise regimen