International Day of Yoga and Summer Solstice

In 2015, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a resolution to declare June 21, the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere, as International Day of Yoga. One hundred seventy-seven countries around the world recognize this day as a way to bring awareness to the benefits of yoga.

I learned about International Yoga Day accidentally, while I was in New York City on a vacation. I happened to be in Times Square and noticed an area blocked off just for yogis with yoga mats. I didn't know quite what was going on until I returned home, but It was a really cool experience, even as a person just walking by! A section of this busy world-famous square was cordoned off just so yogis could celebrate their 108 sun salutations there.

Here in Sarasota County, it was celebrated by yoga teachers and practitioners doing 108 sun salutations together at Ca' da Zan, the John & Mable Ringling estate a gorgeous setting right on Sarasota Bay.

Theme for International Day of Yoga 2021

Each year a new theme is chosen. In 2021, the theme is "Yoga for Well-Being." "Yoga for well-being" means not just the physical exercise to become stronger and stretched, but also the internal focus that goes on during this meditative practice. The internal focus affects your mental and spiritual well-being as well. We have all been through a year of torment and stress due to Covid. Use yoga this year as a way to awaken slowly from the stress that Covid has placed on our society. The practices of yoga, postures, breathwork and meditation help you to become stronger both internally and externally.

Celebrating IDY During Covid

With Covid still a serious threat in parts of the country and the world, you will find that things have changed a lot from the traditional Yoga Day celebrations. This year in Times Square, a blended format (online and physical) is offered. Instead of sun salutations, classes are provided throughout the day.

There are event offerings from Europe and Australia while continuing their Covid protocols. India, the country that originally proposed the International Day of Yoga holiday, will celebrate online only since they many parts of the country are still in lockdown as of this writing. Remembering that south of the equator, this day is celebrated in conjunction with the Winter Solstice. For those of us in the north, it will be the longest daylight of the year. With that in mind we traditionally celebrate with sun salutations.

In Florida it is hot and it is summer. My personal guidance to you is to find other ways to celebrate this day of love, lightness and fire. If you are young and your body is capable and in good shape, there may be no reason why you cannot attempt the 108 Sun Salutations indoors with the AC on. Just remember to hydrate. 🚰

If your body is not as responsive as a 30-year old's, do not fret, you too can recognize International Yoga Day and the Solstice with a salute to your well-being by performing one modified sun salutation or any other yoga pose for which you are capable. Corpse pose comes to my mind. 😀 You too need to stay hydrated during physical activity. So, doing just that one pose, you personally recognize this day as one that contributes to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, Perhaps, you will incorporate it into building an even healthier daily lifestyle.

Just lie there and breathe. Thinking about your own well-being and, maybe, how you can make changes to improve it. Then remember to thank yourself and congratulate yourself for doing something for yourself today. 💖

So, doing just that one pose, corpse pose comes to my mind, you personally recognize this day as one that contributes to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and incorporate it into building a healthier lifestyle. Just lie there and breathe. Thinking about your own well-being and, maybe, how you can make changes to improve your well-being.

As always, I am happy to work with you individually to help create a program customized to your personal needs and help to 🚰improve your well-being. Please contact me using the form at the bottom of this page.

Should you choose a different route, on Monday, June 21, prior to a yoga nidra class I offer a Free 30-minute online demonstration lesson in celebration of these coincident events . Join me at 6:30 pm for the Summer Solstice International Yoga Day Celebration. We will cover the basics of sun salutations and any modifications that you may need for your own body. Registration is required.