By Shahnaz Husain
International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide on 21st June every year. It is a day for celebrating Yoga and for creating awareness about Yoga and its benefits. This year, the theme is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” a Sanskrit phrase that can be translated as “the world is one single family.” I think this theme is so appropriate because we must strive to bring about unity and peace in the whole world. We must also work together to save the earth from environmental damage and its disastrous effects. This year is of greater significance, because our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will lead the global celebration of Yoga from the UN Headquarters in New York.
Yoga has become popular worldwide, because it is so relevant to our modern lifestyle, especially in terms of reducing stress and attaining a sense of peace. Yoga not only teaches us to control the mind, but also to attain knowledge of the inner self. It teaches us breath control and specifies the inhalation and exhalation of breath during the exercises. Thus, we can use its power to renew ourselves and bring about total relaxation. The word “Yoga” actually means “union” and signifies the union of body and mind. One of the advantages of Yoga is that it can be adjusted to suit age and personal capacity. The duration and frequency can be adjusted according to the flexibility and stamina of the individual. The best thing is that there is no fatigue after exercising. Instead, there is a feeling of physical and mental exhilaration. According to Yoga, the body is the temple of the soul. On International Yoga Day, celebrate the power of Yoga – for a lifetime of vitality and well-being. Bring Yoga into the experience of your daily life.
