Posted on June 21 2021
International Day of Yoga (IDY) has been celebrated annually on June 21st since 2015. Introduced by the United Nations as a way to raise awareness worldwide, about the importance and positive impact yoga has on the physical and mental health of people, IDY continues to grow in popularity.
What is Yoga and why do we celebrate it?
Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The term ‘yoga’ derives from the Sanskrit word “Yuja” which means to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.
Yoga is not just about the physical side with people being incredibly flexible, twisting themselves into all sorts of unnatural looking poses, it is also a time to look inward, for reflection, to quiet the mind and connect to consciousness.
The 2021 theme for IDY is ‘Yoga for Wellbeing’.
With the world still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and millions of peoples lives turned upside down, health and wellbeing has never seemed more important. Beyond the immediate impact on people's physical health, is the increased toll on people's mental health and how the seemingly never ending restrictions on our freedoms and sanity keepers, intensify the need for something simple to keep us from tipping over the edge.
The essence of Yoga in promoting both the physical and mental wellbeing of humanity has never been more relevant. The rising shift of people from all over the world, embracing yoga to stay well and to help manage their fears and anxiety while in isolation during the pandemic has been encouraging.
Recognizing this important role of Yoga, this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Yoga focuses on “Yoga for wellbeing” - how the practice of Yoga can promote the holistic health of every individual.
