Do you actively engage in fitness activities, such as going to the gym or other forms of physical activity?
If so, what sparked your interest in a fitness routine, and how has it positively impacted your overall
well-being?
Now, how do you feel about YOGA?
Let us start with a nice yoga meditation that will help you relax and find inner peace. Find a comfortable
sitting position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Allow your body to relax and bring your
attention to the natural rhythm of your breath. Let go of any tension and simply be present in this
moment of stillness.
International Yoga Day is a worldwide celebration that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being and
mindfulness. Through the practice of asanas (yoga postures) and pranayama (breath control), yoga
offers a holistic approach to health and stress reduction. It promotes flexibility, strength and balance
while offering a path to inner peace and harmony.Those who embrace yoga philosophy and cultivate a
yoga lifestyle can embark on a journey of holistic healing and nurture their physical, mental and spiritual
selves.

International Yoga Day is dedicated to reminding the world of the power of yoga to promote global
well-being and unity.
The benefits of yoga are widely recognized, both on a physical and mental level. On a physical level, a
regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, strength and balance. It promotes better posture, improves
cardiovascular health and helps relieve chronic pain. Yoga also focuses on breath control, which can
reduce stress, calm the mind and increase mental well-being. It has been shown to be beneficial in
managing anxiety and depression and improving overall mental clarity and concentration.
In recent years, new forms of yoga have emerged that are tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Some examples include:
Power Yoga: This dynamic and powerful style combines strength exercises with traditional yoga
postures to provide a more intense physical workout.
Hot Yoga: Practiced in a heated room, usually at 95-105°F (35-40°C), and is said to promote
detoxification through increased sweating and improve flexibility.
Aerial Yoga: Aerial yoga combines traditional poses with acrobatic movements so that
practitioners experience a sense of weightlessness and increased body awareness.
Yin Yoga: In this slow-paced practice, poses are held longer, which targets deep connective
tissue and promotes relaxation and flexibility.
While yoga offers numerous benefits for physical and mental health, it is important to know that it is
also a cure-all for every ailment. However, while it can complement traditional medical treatments and
promote overall wellness, it should not be considered a substitute for professional medical care.
Here are four important yoga postures with instructions on how to perform them:
Mountain pose (Tadasana):
Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides.
Tense your core muscles and lengthen your spine.
Distribute your weight evenly on both feet and feel grounded.
Raise the top of your head to the ceiling and relax your shoulders.
Breathe deeply and hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Tree pose (Vrksasana):
Stand upright with your feet hip-width apart and your arms at your sides.
Shift your weight onto your left foot and bend your right knee.
Place the sole of the right foot against the left inner thigh or calf without touching the knee
joint.
Find your balance and bring your hands together in prayer position in front of your heart.
Lengthen your spine, focus your gaze on a fixed point and take a deep breath.
Hold the position for 30 seconds to 1 minute and then change position
Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II):
Start by standing with your feet apart and your heels aligned.
Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and your left foot slightly inward.
Stretch your arms out to your sides, parallel to the floor, with your palms facing down.
Bend your right knee and keep it over your ankle while maintaining a 90-degree angle.
Keep your gaze fixed on your right fingertips and relax your shoulders.
Hold the position for 5 to 10 breaths, then repeat on the other side.
Corpse Pose (Savasana):
Lie on your back and let your feet slide down comfortably.
Keep your arms relaxed by your sides, palms facing up.
Close your eyes, inhale slowly and deeply, and let your whole body relax.
Release any tension in the muscles and let go of all thoughts and worries.
Hold this pose for 5 to 10 minutes and focus on deep relaxation and a calm mind.

How do you feel now?
If you have not yet discovered the wonders of yoga, I would like to take you on a motivational journey
that may inspire you to begin this transformative practice. Imagine waking up early in the morning and
feeling a sense of calm and curiosity. You decide to explore something new, something that can bring
balance and well-being to your life. You step onto your yoga mat, ready to embark on a journey of self-
discovery and personal growth.
You have always dreamed of it isn’t it? Now is the time to finally do it!
With your first deep breath, you will feel the tension in your body melt away. With each gentle
movement, you become aware of the intricate connection between breath, mind and body. You find
that you can engage in the present moment and let go of worries and distractions. Through yoga
practice, you discover a deep sense of mindfulness and inner peace.
As days turn into weeks, you notice subtle changes in yourself. Your body becomes more flexible,
stronger, and balanced. The once elusive peace of mind begins to settle within you. You find that yoga
helps you not only physically, but also mentally and spiritually. It becomes a sanctuary where you can
relieve stress, find clarity, and cultivate self-compassion.

Over time, you’ll begin to explore different styles of yoga, each of which offers its own benefits.
Whether it’s the flowing movements of Vinyasa Yoga, the restful stillness of Yin Yoga, or the precise
alignment of Iyengar Yoga, you’ll find a practice that speaks to you. Yoga becomes a constant
companion, adapting to your needs and guiding you on your path to holistic well-being.
Now that we celebrate International Yoga Day, I encourage you to take a step forward and join the
worldwide celebration of this wonderful practice.
Click on a photo or record a video of you doing a yoga pose or capturing a quiet moment during your
practice. Share it with your friends and family to spread the word about the transformative power of
yoga.

Remember: yoga is not about perfection or competition. It’s about embracing your unique journey,
honoring your body, and nurturing your inner light. So let us celebrate Yoga Day together and let this be
the beginning of your own great yoga journey.
1 reply on “Yoga can change your life in unexpected ways – Happy International Yoga Day!”
I have been practicing yoga for 25 years now. Love being a yogic.