21st June is 8th International Yoga Day. Yoga, an ancient practice originating in India, has been derived from two Sanskrit words ‘Yuj’ and ‘Yujir’ meaning ‘Together’ or ‘ To Unite’. It is an amalgamation of physical, mental and spiritual exercise, the union of body and consciousness. Ancient Indian sage Patañjali is thought to be the Father of Modern Yoga because he codified all the aspects of Yoga into a certain format and introduced Yoga Sutras.
Yoga For Humanity
The theme for 2022 is ‘Yoga For Humanity.’ The aim is to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, especially now.
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented loss to humankind. Not only physical health, innumerable mental health issues have cropped up in every person throughout the world. The insurmontable psychological suffering, anxiety and depression caused by pandemic restrictions and loss of so many lives has left such a chasm in every heart that there’s an urgent need for psychological recovery.
Yoga The Answer
People are turning to yoga for full body-mind recovery. It has become a strong coping aid for social isolation, fear and anxiety of the pandemic. Along with helping with holistic health of the individual, yoga is also about maintaining balance between oneself and the environment, the relationship between a human with the entire world. Yoga encourages mindfulness, discipline, perseverence and moderation, a sustainable way of living. ‘Yoga can be an important instrument in the collective quest of humanity by promoting a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with planet Earth,’ a UN spokesperson said, extolling the many benefits of yoga today.
History of International Yoga Day
The United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga on 11 December 2014. It was proposed by India first by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address at a session of the General Assembly. 175 member states endorsed the resolution. It states, ‘The importance of individuals and populations making healthier choices and following lifestyle patterns that foster good health.
Importance of Physical Activity & Yoga
The World Health Organisation (WHO) points out that physical inactivity is among the top ten causes of dealths worldwide and a huge factor for non communicable diseases, such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Yoga is much more than a physical activity. Along with physical, it is mental and and spiritual activity too. Hence, it is the best way to maintain a healthy life balance.
Be Active, WHO mYoga
WHO’s Be Active campaign aims to raise awareness about Yoga in a fun way. Along with that, WHO in collaboration with the Government of India, has now launched WHO mYoga – a yoga app to help people stay active and healthy. The app contains a collection of videos and audio files to teach and accompany yoga practice, and is an easy-to-use and free tool for both people, who are trying yoga for the first time, and for those who already practice yoga regularly.