“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” – Bhagavad Gita

On this International Yoga Day, the world comes together — not just to stretch or flow, but to remember.

To remember that yoga is not just movement. It is union.

Union of breath and body. Of attention and intention. Of the self and the infinite.

Why Yoga — Now More Than Ever?

In a hyperconnected, overstimulated, and often anxious world, yoga offers something rare:

Stillness.

A chance to come home to yourself.

Today, yoga has become globally popular for its physical benefits — strength, flexibility, balance.

But its real magic lies within — in calming the nervous system, enhancing inner clarity, and preparing us for something far deeper: meditation and self-realization.

As Patanjali, the father of classical yoga, taught:

“Yoga chitta vritti nirodhah” — Yoga is the stilling of the fluctuations of the mind.

Yoga is More Than Asana — The 8 Limbs of Yoga

The physical practice (asana) is just one of the eight limbs of yoga, outlined by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras.

Let’s explore the eight steps to inner transformation:

1. Yama – Ethical disciplines (non-violence, truth, moderation)
2. Niyama – Self-discipline (cleanliness, contentment, surrender)
3. Asana – Physical posture, to build strength and stillness
4. Pranayama – Breath regulation, calming life force energy
5. Pratyahara – Withdrawal of the senses, turning inward
6. Dharana – Concentration on a single point or idea
7. Dhyana – Meditation, uninterrupted flow of focus
8. Samadhi – Absorption, blissful union with the divine or universal self

“Your body exists in the past and your mind in the future. In yoga, they come together in the present.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

Yoga isn’t about mastering poses. It’s about preparing the body to sit in stillness.

To calm the mind. To feel what's really going on within.

Types of Yoga: Choosing Your Path

Yoga has many branches — all leading to the same source. Here are a few to explore:

🔹 Hatha Yoga

The foundational practice. Focuses on physical postures and breath to balance energy. Ideal for beginners.

🔹 Vinyasa / Flow Yoga

Breath-synchronized movement. Builds heat, flexibility, and mindfulness in motion.

🔹 Ashtanga Yoga

Structured, athletic, and discipline-based. Involves a specific series of postures and transitions.

🔹 Yin Yoga

Slow, deep, and meditative. Poses are held longer to stretch connective tissue and release tension.

🔹 Restorative Yoga

Gentle and healing. Uses props to support the body, ideal for stress relief and recovery.

🔹 Kundalini Yoga

A powerful blend of mantra, breath, and movement to awaken inner energy and consciousness.

“Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is about what you learn on the way down.” – Jigar Gor

Yoga for One Earth, One Health

The 2025 theme — “Yoga for One Earth, One Health” — beautifully echoes the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.

When we practice yoga, we become more aware, compassionate, and intentional — not just toward ourselves, but also the planet.

Yoga teaches us:

• To live lightly, not wastefully
• To breathe with presence, not pollution
• To act with kindness, not impulse

In healing ourselves, we begin to heal the world around us.

Last but not the least: Come Back to You

Whether you're a beginner or a long-time practitioner, Yoga Day is a reminder:

You don’t need to do complex poses. You just need to pause.

To breathe, sit still, and tune inward.

Even 10 minutes of daily yoga can:

• Lower stress (by boosting GABA and serotonin)
• Improve sleep
• Enhance digestion
• Strengthen immunity
• Increase emotional resilience

And perhaps most importantly — it helps you meet yourself, where you are, with compassion.

“The success of yoga does not lie in the ability to perform postures but in how it positively changes the way we live, work, and relate to others.” – T.K.V. Desikachar

This International Yoga Day, let’s not just practice.

Let’s remember.

Try This Today:

• 5 minutes of deep breathing
• 3 slow Surya Namaskars
• Sit quietly. Listen to your breath.
• Place one hand on your heart and just say — “I’m here.”

That’s yoga too.

Happy International Yoga Day!