India 03.07.2023 Transindus
Originating in ancient India, Yoga is a holistic practice passed down through generations to achieve physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is a discipline that integrates physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and principles of ethical behaviour to create a harmonious balance between the body, mind, and spirit.
Through regular practice, Yogis cultivate self-awareness, mindfulness, strength, harmony, and inner peace.
At its core, Yoga is much more than just physical exercise. It is a transformative journey that seeks to unite the consciousness of the individual with their inner self and generate a greater universal consciousness and the connected energies that flow through us and our environment.
Recognizing the importance of Yoga, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga to promote its practice globally. On this day, Yoga enthusiasts, practitioners, and communities come together to organize yoga sessions, workshops, seminars, and community classes. These events aim to highlight the significance of Yoga in promoting physical and mental well-being, fostering unity and peace, and spreading the message of harmony among individuals and communities.
On June 21 2023, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres marked the occasion with an address to the United Nations Conference, saying Yoga Unites the body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace. While Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, took time out of his State Visit to the USA and joined hands with Csaba Korosi, the President of the United Nations General Assembly and Eric Adams, the Mayor of New York to transform the lawns of the UN Assembly into the largest yoga class ever held, with thousands of people 135 different nationalities practising Yoga together.
Whether they have considered practising Yoga or not, most people are aware of the more popular asanas, including:
Tadasana (Mountain Pose): This foundational pose focuses on alignment, grounding, and improving posture.
Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose): This inverted pose strengthens the upper body, stretches the hamstrings, and energizes the body.
Trikonasana (Triangle Pose): This standing pose stretches the legs, opens the chest, and improves overall body balance.
Balasana (Child's Pose): A restorative pose that promotes relaxation, releases tension in the back and calms the mind.
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): This backbend pose strengthens the spine, opens the chest, and improves flexibility.
Vrikshasana (Tree Pose): A balancing pose that strengthens the legs, improves concentration, and promotes stability.
Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose): This pose has various variations (I, II, III) and builds strength, stability, and stamina.
Savasana (Corpse Pose): The final relaxation pose, where practitioners lie down, consciously relax and integrate the benefits of the practice.
Padmasana (Lotus Pose): A seated meditation pose that promotes flexibility and calmness to facilitate a meditative state.
Sirsasana (Headstand): An advanced inversion that strengthens the upper body, improves circulation and promotes mental clarity.
