When the North Pole reaches its maximum tilt towards the sun, it marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. And for the past decade, June 21 has been celebrated by the United Nations as International Day of Yoga. And like every year, the day is celebrated in cities around the world with everything from gentle stretches that introduce beginners to the wonders of yoga to sun salutation marathons for professionals.
This year’s theme is “Yoga for Self and Society”. Yoga is a great daily sadhana that can be practiced individually. It offers a short digital detox and time to reflect, while the breathing techniques (pranayama) and postures (asanas) bring balance and harmony to the mind and body. Yoga is also a great way to connect with the people around you. You can join a class at the gym or share your experience and expertise with others who are interested in yoga but have not yet taken the plunge.
You can’t talk about yoga without mentioning Maharishi Patanjali. His sutras are the foundation of nearly every modern yoga system. If you think Maharishi wrote a tome on vinyasa flow, true to the terse style of the ancient masters, all he actually said was “sthira sukham asanam,” or “the postures you hold should be stable and comfortable.” All yoga is preparation for a higher state of consciousness that seekers in our culture have yearned for for millennia. The entrance to this holy grail is preparing the body and mind by following the eight limbs of yoga that Maharishi prescribed as part of Ashtanga Marga.
In modern times, with increasing stress levels and pressures in daily life, meditation and mindfulness have gained a lot of attention. Meditation brings deep rest and helps us to disconnect our senses from the constant stream of stimuli that distort our perception and lead to mental fatigue. Even just a few minutes in solitude to commune with our higher self can bring deep rest and rejuvenation.
Yoga and meditation may seem all the rage right now, but in reality, we still have a long way to go before we reach our solstice in the pursuit of human wellness. Luckily, ancient systems are now available at affordable rates through modern gurukul centers. So, whether we’re looking for physical form or mental peace, a little yoga can make our lives better.
Published: Saturday, June 22, 2024 03:11 AM IST
