International Yoga day is celebrated on 21 June every year. Especially in times like this, when everyone is suffering both physically and mentally from the consequences of the pandemic this day is of paramount significance. It is derived from the Sanskrit word yuj, which implies unification of the Individual Consciousness or soul with the Universal Consciousness or Spirit.
The idea was first proposed during the speech of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2014. Since then it is marked as a day to celebrate the richness of Yoga – ‘Ancient India’s invaluable gift to the world.’
Origin Of Yoga
The origin of yoga has been traced all the way back to pre-Vedic Indian practices, as referenced in the Rigveda, developed around the 6th & 5th century BCE. The early writings portraying yoga rehearses are not very clear, varyingly credited to Hindu Upanishads and Buddhist Pali Canon, likely of the third century BCE or later. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali date from the main portion of the first thousand years CE, however it acquired recognition in the West in the twentieth century. Hatha yoga messages arose around the eleventh century with beginnings in tantra.
Yoga gurus from India introduced yoga to the west, following the accomplishment of Swami Vivekananda in the late nineteenth and mid twentieth century. During the 1980s, it got famous as a series of exercises across the Western world. However, in Indian practices, it is more than just exercise, it’s anything but meditative and spiritual practice for us. One of the six significant customary schools of Hinduism is called Yoga, which has its own epistemology and metaphysics, and is firmly identified with Hindu Samkhya theory.
Many consider it just as an exercise where individuals curve, turn, stretch, and breath, but it is much more than that in reality it is a significant study of boundless potential of the human psyche and soul. Which is why it is often referred as ‘A way of life’, because it is the complete essence of Life, including-
- Gyan Yog (philosophy),
- Bhakti Yog (way of reverential euphoria),
- Karma Yog (way of blissful action), and
- Raja Yog (way of mind control)
The ultimate goal is to attain liberation (Moksh)- a liberation from the chains of causes and effect and the cycle of birth and rebirth!
What happens if you do it daily?
People have witnessed some incredible results of doing yoga everyday, some of which are mentioned below-
- It Improve flexibility and mobility
- It build strength
- It helps in building correct posture
- It improves heart health
- Helps in weight loss process
- It cultivate self-awareness
- It increase your energy
- Helps in reducing stress
- Helps in sleeping better
- It reduces inflammation
- Makes us more mindful
- Improves concentration
- Reduces anxiety
- Help in managing depression
- Reduces lower back pain
With such amazing health benefits there is no good reason why you should start doing yoga everyday.
But before you start, consider the following points-
Here are some tips and warnings if you are just beginning to adapt and change your life,
- Wear clothes that are comfortable
Wear something that will not limit your movements. Start without socks and shoes.
- Try not to push through pain.
If you feel some kind of pain stop immediately, do not push yourself against your body limits
- Read and understand all the dos and don’ts clearly
If you are practising with an instructor then listen carefully to each and every instruction.
- Try not to compare yourself with others.
Your excursion and your training is yours alone.
- Practice self love.
Be receptive, make an effort not to pass judgment on yourself, negative thoughts can impact how your body reacts.
- Show patience with yourself.
Simply be open and realize that it regularly takes six to eight days to become more acquainted with how your body feels. Be patient with the results.
Now that you know everything that there is to know, just roll out your mats and start doing it!