Today Is International Yoga Day. Here's Why We Needed A Day To Be Dedicated To Yoga.

Why is 21st June chosen as International Yoga Day? India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged the international community to adopt 21 June as International Yoga Day. The UN has passed a resolution declaring June 21 as International Yoga Day (World Yoga Day).

Photo Credit: Joel Nilsson (Uploaded by High Contrast) via Wikimedia Commons

Every year in Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on June 21. It is the day when the day is longest and the night is shortest. It is the day when the earth is at its closest distance from the sun, on its orbit.

From the perspective of yoga, the summer solstice marks the transition of the sun from Uttarayan to Dakshinayan, according to the ancient Vedic Calendar. It is mentioned in the vedic books that this was the day when lord Shiva first taught yoga to his disciples. The knowledge of yoga first descended from Shiva on this day, marking this day as the birth of yoga.

At first, I wondered why. Why do we need a day to mark this ancient Indian practice of yoga? And then I thought, why not? Just like our birthday, a day when we celebrate our existence on this earth, we can also dedicate one day to celebrate this ancient tradition, which was so beautifully designed to enhance the physical, mental and spiritual health, thus uplifting our soul. This day will help people revive their interest and practice of yoga. It will also help bring together people to practice, like they did this morning, in large numbers. When one practices in groups, the group energy helps to elevate each practitioner's mood and spirit.

Photo credit: yogaparaprincipiantesonline.com

I generally wind up my class with this shloka from the Upanishads -

Aum poornamadah poornamidam poornaat poornamudachyate
Poornasya poornamadaya poornamevaavashishyate

(Aum, that is complete, this is complete, from completeness comes completeness
If completeness is taken away from completeness, only completeness remains.)


This state of completeness can be attained with consistent practice of yoga. So, let us all take a positive step towards regular practice of yoga.

Yoga- An art of the Body and Mind

There are many forms of exercise to maintain fitness and keep in shape. But, yoga is one form of practice that is not considered an exercise; in fact, it is a practice of the body to co-ordinate with the mind to become one with the soul. The postures are called ‘Asanas’. Learning and teaching yoga is an art. There is a bonding between the teacher and the practitioner to explore the art of evolving to unite with the soul. After the basic rules of discipline of self, the body is ready to grow in the practice of Asanas.

Every asana is derived from nature and the teacher helps the practitioner attain the posture with ease and as per their capacity, reminding him always to avoid competition and instead improve the postures according to his body flexibility, though a healthy competition is good. Each posture is an art where the body takes form of the animal, bird or other beings in nature that they are derived from. While holding the posture, each and every related muscle, nerve, organ in context is stimulated and stretched, resulting in improvement of elasticity, strength and toning. Once the body gets stretched and opened out, blood, oxygen and nutrition supply improves a great deal. This helps the body overcome minor and major discomforts and makes its co-ordination with the mind easier. This also prepares the practitioner for pranayamas.

Pranayamas are breathing techniques that one finds easier to practice once their body is flexible and they can sit in upright posture without discomfort. ‘Prana’, is that vital energy, which is also called the Life Force. Disciplined breathing is the key here. Three locks (bandhas) of the body are very crucial during the practice of pranayamas. Here, the mind enjoys better oxygen supply and the body, too, benefits with abundant oxygen supply and smoother blood flow to various parts of the body. This enhances the health of the body and mind, making them more co-ordinated for union with the supreme self.

Next is the bridge - between the physical and the spiritual self. Bridging the two selves is very important, as this brings the required balance.

Dharana - steadiness of the mind. It can only be achieved with practice.

Dhyana - steadiness of the mind for longer duration. The capacity to disconnect with consciousness. This, too, requires practice and patience.

Samadhi - The ultimate bliss. Nothingness. It’s definitely attainable, an art every person is born to achieve!

Hasta Mudras

Hasta Mudras........Literally means 'Hand symbols', one can also describe them as ' Yoga of the hands'.

Here's a little presentation on basics of Hasta Mudras.

Another year gone by, so many lessons learnt, so many more to learn........I ask for forgiveness from all those whom I have hurt consciously or subconsciously.........I forgive all those who have hurt me consciously or subconsciously, ATMA NAMASTE!

Hasta Mudra Workshops

Amazing!!! The workshops at Times Of India bldg were a fantastic experience. All three workshops were wonderful with the awesome inputs, backing and efforts put in by my  husband, brother and kids, more so I wish to greatly acknowledge the support, faith, guidance and everlasting encouragement by my friends, Ruma, Sandhya and Sheela.
 I am blessed to have you all with me, ALWAYS.

This opens a new avenue to holistic healing. The effects of Mudras are quick and longlasting. Faith and regular practise are very important.

Simple ways to........

I get calls from my students and friends to ask about Mudras. The common queries are for gastric problems, heart ailments, cold, indigestion, backache and pain in the knees.

The sedentary lifestyle that most of us lead is indeed the root cause of many such ailments. Erratic eating habits and not so pure food and air have added to health challenges. Practising Yoga, brisk walks and Mudra Therapy is an ideal combination to prevent and cure many ailments.

Taking time off to observe the beauty of nature, playing with small children, laughing at silly jokes or for no reason (like school kids) are some ways of relaxing the mind and destressing oneself.

I received a beautiful message from a dear friend whom I haven't met for a while. To quote-
Some of the best gestures that makes a lot of difference in our busy lives-
A smile from a stranger when you are lost in a crowd,
An old friend calling from a distant land, just to say 'I miss you'
The touch of mother's hand on your forehead when you're unable to sleep
A friend asking you 'what's wrong?' when you thought no one noticed you
A hand on your shoulder when it feels like the world's against you
An unexpected, but badly needed hug from the one you love the most
I pray you get all these when you need them :)

Thanks to the students who attended the mudra workshop yesterday. I was overwhelmed by their response. The attention during the talk was intense and they were interactive. It humbles me to be able to help people overcome their health disturbances.

Mudras are simple and effective in overcoming diseases caused by stress, unhealthy and irregular eating habits, erratic lifestyle, lack of sleep and other such reasons. Cancer too can be cured by a set of "Hasta Mudras".

I always learn a lot from my classes and workshops, I am very open to suggestions from students as it helps me improve the quality of my class and rightly so- I got very nice suggestions yesterday too.

I am glad by the respect we exchange, the connection we make and cause a very positive environment.

Acidity, gastric problems and insomnia were the common ailments we addressed.

"Aum" was the mantra of the day. Aum is a very powerful, effective mantra. It has amazing holistic benefits to the mind and body. The heart too gains from this mantra.

We wound up with a "Mudra Meditation" that destroys and regenrates.