International Day of Yoga – Summer Solstice

Tuesday, June 21st is the International Day of Yoga. Recognizing it’s appeal and health benefits, the United Nations proclaimed this day of Yoga to increase awareness of yoga’s benefits for healthy body, mind and spirit. It is no coincidence that this day coincides with the Summer Solstice, when the sun appears to stand still, a perfect opportunity to find “stillness” in our lives through the practice of Yoga.

“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. This tradition is 5000 years old. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. By changing our lifestyle and creating consciousness, it can help in well being . Let us work towards adopting an International Yoga Day.”

— Narendra Modi, UN General Assembly

 

“This year’s observance of the International Day of Yoga highlights the important role healthy living plays in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted last year by all 193 United Nations Member States.”

Portrait of Ban Ki-moonBAN KI-MOON
United Nations Secretary-General
Yoga continues to grow in popularity. It is now practiced by over 36 million Americans (up from 20 million four years ago). Of those Americans who don’t practice yoga, 34% of them say they would like to try yoga for the first time over the next 12 months. 
Yogis around the world will be celebrating!
Dr Dilip Sarkar, president of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, has been sharing his yoga wisdom around the world, recently at the Pentagon and now headed to India for the International conference on Yoga for Body and beyond as a part of celebrating International Day of Yoga by the Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddhi, Homeopathy), Government of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi during 22-23rd June, 2016.  Dilip Sarkar, MD, FACS, CAP has been invited as a guest speaker for the conference. 
Prime Minister  will participate and lead nearly 40,000 participants in a  practice in , India

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participates in the mass yoga demonstration at Rajpath on the occasion of International Yoga Day, in New Delhi on June 21, 2015.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi participates in the mass yoga demonstration at Rajpath on the occasion of International Yoga Day, in New Delhi on June 21, 2015.

In Times Square, in Celebration of the Summer Solstice, The 14th annual “Mind Over Madness Yoga” event takes place all day. There are different free yoga classes for people with all different skill levels

times square solstice

Here on the beautiful beaches of the Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk, friends and family will come together to celebrate Yoga in our lives, to connect with the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, the Water, the Air and Space in 108 Sun Salutations. sun salutation

How will you celebrate Yoga Day? Maybe, you’ve never done yoga before and are curious – well, there are numerous studios and athletic stores such as Lululemon, around the country offering free classes.

Whatever this day brings for you, live it mindfully and breathe. This is Yoga.

Namaste

 

🙏🏼 Namaste, Your Yoga Doctor