At this point we’re all familiar with the practice of Yoga, but many of us have never taken the time to explore the depths of this ancient discipline. We’re oftentimes too caught up in our lives to take the time to visit a brick and mortar studio or attend an outdoor Yoga session with a friend. This non-stop traffic of everyday life has led to the creation of a truly unique holiday: International Yoga Day.
International Yoga Day seeks to make Yoga accessible to everybody, regardless of how busy your schedule may be. It encourages everybody, from schoolkids to retired folks, to take a day to learn the basics of the Yoga lifestyle and encourages people to continue these healthy habits beyond the holiday.
Here are five ways to participate in the international celebration of yoga in the comfort of your own home after you’ve returned from your winter holiday. Don’t worry about being an expert. These tips are for everyone to enjoy no matter how much of your inner Yogi you’ve embraced.
Family Flexible
There’s no better way to celebrate this day of peace and balance than sharing it with others, especially those closest to you. Get the whole family involved in your yoga flow by choosing a routine that fits every age and level of flexibility. There are a whole host of YouTube channels dedicated to teaching Yoga to every type of learner, from toddlers to the grandparents and everyone in between.
Sharing a Yoga session with your family will not only fill an otherwise average afternoon with calming exercise, it will give you a chance to form a unique emotional bond. So tell the spouse and kids to put down the phones and tablets because it’s time to stretch!
Open Your Mind
No matter how hard we try to avoid it, we carry stress in our bodies, which leads to cramping and other unpleasant aches and pains. Whether from work or school, mental pressure points can have a tremendous effect on our physical well being. Luckily, yoga can help to stretch more than just our bodies. Camel pose requires you to kneel with your knees and shins at a hip-distance apart.
To start, put your hands at the small of your lower back with your fingers pointed down. Lifting your chest and gazing up, exhale and slowly lean and gaze back. Keep your hips lifted over your knees with your hands at your low back for support, or reaching your right hand to your right heel, and left hand to your left heel.
Take five deep breaths before slowly rising back to your starting position. You should feel tension freed from your neck, shoulders, and head with natural inclination to move on to something a little more reflective.
Meditation Station
The hustle and bustle of everyday life, from work to home life to everything in between, can cause stress. Thankfully, the meditation facets of yoga are a simple and effective way to cut the stress and bring you some much needed Zen. When International Day of Yoga rolls around, set aside time in your day to practice a meditation session led by a virtual Yogi.
Retreat to a secluded area in your home, be that a guest room or sunroom shielded by a fence privacy screen to keep out prying eyes. Pull up a You Tube Yogi channel and search for a meditation session video. Now close your eyes and let your Yogi do the talking. Before you know it, you’ll be stress free, centered, and ready to take on whatever life throws at you.
Diet Delight
Yoga isn’t only about stretching and deep breaths: it’s a lifestyle. And this lifestyle is one that emphasizes healthy living in every aspect of life, from your relationships to your dietary habits. International Day of Yoga is the perfect occasion to cook some homemade meals that place an emphasis on clean eating and give you the energy you need well into the evening. Here are a few yoga friendly recipes to get your your culinary Zen flowing:
- Chopped Kale Salad
- Matcha Lime Smoothie
- Vegan Yogi Bowl
- Tofu Scramble
- Golden Milk
From breakfast to before bed treats, there are always a plethora of options available for yoga-inspired eating. After an eventful day of stretching, meditating, and enjoying all of the clean and fresh meals you prepared, it’s time to relax by the fire.
Give Back Goodness
Giving back is another great way to find zen during the international day of yoga. Realigning your karma with simple community engagement comes in many forms, from volunteering to contributing financially from home. There are many organizations that seek to bring the joy of yoga to every age and corner of the earth, and many are actively welcoming donations and volunteer hours to spread their influence.
When deciding on which philanthropy to support, consider the yogis of the world who need your help in order to share the joy and learnings of yoga with others. And the internet has made contributing easier than ever; you can donate funds to the philanthropic endeavor of your choice right from your phone or laptop while enjoying the crisp winter air as you’re warmed by your outdoor heater.
Once your donation has been made, you can throw on your outdoor heater cover and head to bed knowing that you added some good to the world around you, yogi-style.
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