By Faith Mudoga,
Each Tuesday, June 20, the world comes together to honor and celebrates Yoga day. This particular day has been identified in the calendar of world important days.
International yoga day started in 2015 with its aim to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga. The idea for the day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech at the 69th session of the General Assembly in 2014.
“Yoga is the exploration of the very mechanics of life. It predates all religion and opened the possibility of raising a human being beyond limitations set by nature, if willing to strive. Making the science of Yoga available in the purest form is the responsibility of this generation. This science of inner development, wellbeing and liberation is the greatest gift for future generations,” Indian yoga guru and proponent of spirituality Sadhguru says.
The theme for International Yoga Day 2022 is “Yoga for Humanity”.
Yoga in Kenya
In 2007, Paige Elenson and her partner Baron Baptiste, who are American yoga teachers established the not-for-profit organization called Africa Yoga Project.
According to Africa Yoga Project, every week over 350 people from all walks of life in Nairobi gather at their community center to practice yoga for 2 hours together as a community.
In recent years, yoga has bent trends in Kenya as many people are beginning to appreciate it and not perceive it as a white man activity.
Instructor Samson Muhalia, 53, says yoga has a positive impact on people.
“What I really like in yoga is that it brings people together and teaches them how live together. It makes people share and discuss,” she says.
Significance of yoga day
The day spreads awareness about the importance and effects of yoga on the health of people both physical and mental.
Itt reminds people that mental health and awareness is crucial and is also significant as it encourages people to embrace physical fitness and spirituality.
Yoga Day also makes people aware of the benefits of yoga connecting them with nature to reduce the rate of health-challenging diseases in the world.
This day aims at spreading growth, development, and peace throughout the world, much like yoga would heal the body.
Aims to providing solutions through yoga by developing a habit of meditation for peace of mind and self-awareness, which is necessary to survive in a stress-free environment.
Benefits of Yoga
- Improves flexibility and balance.
- Helps to relief stress.
- Improves mental health.
- May reduce anxiety.
- Yoga not only provides mental peace but also generates a peaceful environment.
- Yoga makes both body and minds healthy.
- Yoga can promote better posture and body awareness It may improve cardiovascular functionality.
