International Yoga Day

International Yoga Day

What is the importance of yoga in our everyday life ?

The word 'yoga' is derived from the Sanskrit which means 'to join or to unite'. Exercises of yoga have a physical effect and also bring a balance between body, soul and mind.

It should be included in our daily life. Path of self-knowledge and self-realization can be attained via positive thinking, perseverance, discipline, right orientation, prayer as well as humble and kindness.

The importance of life is the health of our body. If health is not good then we will not be able to achieve our goals or will not remain happy.

International Yoga Day: Important asanas amid COVID-19

Amidst the global pandemic, people are staying at home to curb and to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease. In addition to offices, schools and other places, gyms and health clubs are also closed pan India due to COVID-19. However, this doesn't mean that one cannot maintain a healthy lifestyle at home without going to gyms or health clubs. On the occasion of International Yoga Day, we have brought several yoga poses that will help you in boosting immunity and will keep you physically as well as mentally strong.

Yogic Breath

1- Close your eyes and inhale slowly, deeply and consistently from the core of your diaphragm.
2- Hold your breath for a few seconds.
3- Now slowly and steadily exhale the air.

Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)

1- Lie prone on the floor, stretch your legs back and rest your forehead on the ground.

2- Place your palms downwards under your shoulders and keep your elbows close to your torso.

3- Now slowly lift your head, chest and abdomen while taking a deep breath and keep your naval on the floor.

4- Pull your torso back and off the floor with the support of your hands.

5- Keep breathing and tilt your head backwards and look upwards.

6- Remember to not overstrain yourself.

7- Breathe out and gently bring abdomen, chest and head back to the floor.

Ardhachakrasana (backbend)

1- Stand straight keeping your feet together.
2- Breathe in and extend your arms over your head. Your palms must face inwards.
3- Now Breathe out and gently bend backwards while pushing your pelvis forward. Now keep your arms in line with your ears, elbows and lift your chest and head towards the ceiling.
4- Hold your breath for a few seconds.
5- Now breathe out and bring your arms and head to normal position.
 

Trikonasana (Triangle pose)

1- Stand straight and spread your feet wide apart.

2- Now turn your right foot out to 90 degrees and left foot to 15 degrees.

3- Inhale and while exhaling bend your body towards right keeping your waist straight and your left hand in the air.

4- Repeat the same with the other side.

5- Remember to bend your body sideways and not backward or forward.

Ardha Matsyendrasana or Vakrasana (Half spinal twist)

1- Sit with your back straight and spread your legs straight in front of you keeping your feet together.
2- Now bend your left leg and place the heel of the left foot beside the right hip.
3- Take your right leg over the left knee.
4- Now place your left hand on the right knee and your right hand behind you.

5- Slightly twist your waist, shoulders and neck towards the right and look over the right shoulder.

6- Hold this position and breathe in and out.

7- Repeat the same to the other side and remember to keep your spine erect.

Our prime minister's perspective :-

According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Yoga guarantees wellness as well as fitness. Yoga is not merely an exercise but a way to attain peace through physical, mental and spiritual well being." "Peace and harmony are related to Yoga. People across the world must practice it."

On September 27, 2014, Prime Minister Modi during his speech at the UN General Assembly laid the idea of celebrating a 'Yoga Day'. He stated that June 21 is the longest day in the northern hemisphere and shortest in the southern hemisphere, holding a special significance in most parts of the world. Also, from the view of yoga,  the summer solstice marks the transition to Dakshinayana. The resolution proposed by India was upvoted by 117 member states in the UN Assembly.

On 21 June, 2015, first time International Yoga Day was celebrated with the theme “Yoga for Harmony and Peace”.

Some of the quotes of our prime minister with respect to yoga :-

“Yoga is not only about 'Rog Mukti' (Eradication of diseases) but also 'Bhog Mukti' (desisting from the worldly greed)." - PM Narendra Modi

"Yoga is not about what one can get out of it. It is rather about what one can give up, what one can get rid of"- PM Narendra Modi

 

Sources: Jagran Josh articles