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MCC Daily Tribune

International Day of Yoga

Celebrated on June 21, International Yoga Day celebrates the physical and spiritual prowess that yoga has brought to the world stage. While it is an important source of exercise and healthy activity millions join in and practice on a daily basis. For many, these routines are a way to connect the body, mind and soul in a way that has existed for centuries.

TRADITIONS OF THE DAY

International Yoga Day is a relatively new holiday, so there aren’t any time-honored traditions. But yoga itself is an ancient art that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul. The day aims to encourage new people to adopt the yogi lifestyle and align with their inner chakra. 

Newbies sign up for yoga and create their own flow of movements to their favorite relaxing music. Before starting yoga, new mats and yoga pants are bought. Those who are already skilled at yoga try out new combinations and introduce their friends to it. Special group yoga retreats are also offered by instructors.

BY THE NUMBERS 

$2.5 billion – the amount Americans spend on yoga instruction annually.

5% – the percentage of people who have given either children or their pets Sanskrit names.

300 – the circulation of the first edition of “Yoga Journal.” 

10 – the number of pages in the first edition of “Yoga Journal.”

#1 – reason for yoga is wellness.

#1 – reason for quitting yoga is the teacher.

1.7 million – the number of American children under 17 who practice yoga.

1975 – the year when the first issue of “Yoga Journal” launched.

15% – the percentage of people who go to an annual yoga retreat.

200,000 – the number of yoga instructors in India.

 

INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY ACTIVITIES

  1. Bring Your Tree Pose to Nature

    Practicing outside can breathe some fresh air into your yoga poses. Practice on the beach, at your local park, or even in your backyard. Surrounding yourself in a new environment can be much more engaging by having new things to focus on.

  2. Do your "om" thing

    Create your own flow of movements and discover new combinations to your favorite music. Sometimes a change in movement or music can help you focus your energy and sync your breathing perfectly to musical transitions.

  3. Introduce a friend to the yogi lifestyle

    Bringing a friend can be just the right motivation you need to revamp your practice. Not only will their presence inspire you to strengthen your poses, but also they can score big on free yoga deals for new students. Win win.

5 YOGA FACTS

  1. Lots of Americans practice yoga

    About 36 million Americans claim to do yoga regularly, around 10% of the population

  2. One for everyone

    There are more than a hundred styles of yoga.

  3. A social media hit

    At any given time, 60 million posts are trending on Instagram.

  4. The Yoga mat was invented in 1982

    Angela Farmer used carpet underlay to create a comfortable, slip-free surface.

  5. It is inspirational

    Stemming from her experiences with yoga, Elizabeth Gilbert was inspired to write the best-seller “Eat Pray Love”

WHY WE LOVE INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY

  1. It’s inclusive

    People of all age groups, religions, nationalities and social backgrounds can celebrate, because yoga is accessible to all! There are so many different kinds of yoga practices, so it's possible for anyone to start. Size and fitness levels don't matter — there are modifications for every yoga pose and beginner classes in every style.

  2. Yoga helps you manage stress

    Life can be stressful sometimes, and it can take its toll on our physical bodies. Have back or neck pain, sleeping problems and headaches? Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity, calmness, and relieves chronic stress — which means it'll help you with all of the above.

  3. Practicing yoga is healthy

    This is no surprise, but it bears repeating. Yoga strengthens and stabilizes the spine, relieving back pain, stress, anxiety and tension. It helps with weight reduction, maintaining a balanced metabolism and increases flexibility. And these are only some of its host of benefits.

 

International Yoga Day -  National Today - https://nationaltoday.com/international-day-of-yoga/

Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
06/21/2023