Inception of International Yoga Day
The Indian Government, notably our honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the United Nations can be heartily credited for bringing International Yoga Day into existence. On September 27, 2014, during his speech at the UN General Assembly, Shri Narendra Modi put forth his suggestion for the occasion of a ‘Yoga Day’. The draft resolution proposed by India was then endorsed by a record 177 member states and counting.
Importance of Yoga during COVID-19
Practised in India since the 5th century, Yoga has been beneficial in keeping the body and mind in sound health. A holistic approach, Yoga targets all the different systems of the body and mind. The asanas make the body strong and flexible, as health improves; the mind too is renewed with confidence. The practice of Pranayama regulates the purification of the internal system and the organs, acting as a superior and able supplement to asanas. The energy that is generated in the body through these physical practices is then channelled into meditation or Dhyan for stability, peace and calm.
Yoga plays a significant role during the world crisis of COVID-19 as yoga boosts our immunity and is known to cure respiratory disorders. Pranayama or breathing exercises increase our oxygen intake by up to five times. Through this rich oxygenation of blood to the brain, heart, lungs, and digestive systems; our organs functioning is vastly improved thus also improving our overall health. As a healing and other alternative form of therapy, yoga helps to relieve stress and keeps the mind calm.
Yoga and Ayurveda are gaining serious attention from people across the globe as a valuable way to gain good health. With the whole world turning to digital platforms as an alternative means for learning, earning and more, yoga’s reach has reached even those people who have never practiced yoga but now have enrolled themselves into online yoga programs.
International Yoga Day 2021 | ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family’
World Yoga Day is celebrated internationally with a unique theme every year. This year’s International Yoga Day will be celebrated on digital media platforms owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has restricted any mass gatherings or public celebrations for International Yoga Day 2020. This year’s theme will be ‘Yoga at Home and Yoga with Family’. This is the perfect opportunity for home-makers who are otherwise swamped with household chores to join and become part of the healthy journey of Yoga.
The Power of Surya Namaskar
The Surya Namaskar is a salutation to the Sun. The Sun represents energy, power,and vitality. As the Surya Nadi or Sun Channel runs along the right side, you begin the Surya Namaskar with your right leg first. The Surya Namaskar contains a total number of 8 asanas woven into a sequence of 12 steps for each side, Right and Left. When you begin the Surya Namaskar, you must start with the Right side as the sun’s energy is represented symbolically through this side, while the Moon is represented by the Left. One complete cycle is done when you cover both the sides, and this is made of 24 counts.
The Surya Namaskar or the Sun Salutation is best practiced early in the morning before sunrise. This will bless you with physical and mental strength, give you command over your body, calm your mind, balance your energies, and bring peace to your consciousness. Surya Namaskar is a powerful technique to make you more mindful. With regular practise, each and every task that you take up will be done consciously and with great care.
Bhastrika Pranayama
Method
• Sit in any comfortable pose (such as Sukhasan, Ardhapadmasan or Padmasana)
• Straighten your back and close your eyes
• Place your palms on your knees facing up (in Prapthi Mudra)
• Inhale and fill your lungs with air
• Exhale completely
• Inhalation and exhalation should be done in a 1:1 ratio. For example, if you breathe in for 6 counts, you must take 6 counts to exhale
Duration You may begin by practicing this breathing technique for five minutes a day and gradually increase it with time.
Shri Narendra Modi’s resolution regarding International Yoga Day notes “the importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.” Let us collectively build strength and poise through Asanas, expand our energies with Pranayama, learn the subtle art of deep rest from meditation and gain invaluable insight by submitting to the glorious wisdom that is Yoga.