As the North Pole tilts at its maximum towards the sun, we mark the Summer Solstice—the longest day of the year! And for the past 11 years, 21st June has also been celebrated as the International Day of Yoga, as declared by the United Nations. Like each year, this day sees people in cities across the globe rolling out their mats, from gentle beginner stretches to marathon sessions of Surya Namaskar for seasoned practitioners.
The theme for International Day of Yoga 2025 is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”. It’s a powerful reminder that individual wellbeing is inseparable from the health of our planet. Yoga helps us tune in not just to our breath and body but to the natural rhythms around us. In a world facing climate anxiety and lifestyle disorders, this ancient practice offers a sustainable way to care for ourselves and the Earth. Whether it's through mindful movement, conscious consumption or community-led sessions in green spaces, yoga inspires a more harmonious relationship with both self and environment.
No conversation about yoga is complete without invoking Maharishi Patanjali, whose Yoga Sutras are the cornerstone of most modern traditions. And if you imagine volumes written on elaborate vinyasa flows, think again! In the cryptic style of ancient masters, all he said was, “Sthira Sukham Asanam”—the posture should be steady and comfortable. All of yoga, in fact, is preparation for a higher state of consciousness. The Ashtanga Marga or Eightfold Path offers a map to this aspirational goal, preparing body and mind for inner stillness.
In recent years, meditation and mindfulness have found renewed relevance. As stress and sensory overload rise in our hyper-connected world, even a few quiet moments of turning inward can refresh the spirit. Meditation offers true rest, allowing the mind to retreat from the noise, recover, and rejuvenate.
Yoga and meditation may be trending, but we’re still on the journey, far from the summit of this solstice in the pursuit of holistic wellness. Fortunately, ancient wisdom is now widely accessible through online platforms, contemporary gurukuls, and community initiatives, often at little to no cost.
So whether you seek strength, stillness, flexibility or focus, a little yoga each day can make life seem a lot more wholesome, vibrant and alive!
.png)
