International Yoga day – Yoga is an ancient practice encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual practice that originated in India. The term ‘yoga‘ comes from the Sanskrit word meaning, to join or unite, reflecting the integration of body and consciousness. Today, yoga is practiced globally in various forms and is increasingly popular. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise worldwide awareness of numerous benefits of yoga. The initiative for International Yoga day was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly. Yoga is much more than just a physical activity.
The International Day of Yoga was adopted by the UN in 2014 and the first International Day of Yoga was observed worldwide on 21 July 2015. As yoga promotes well-being both mental and physical, it was due to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2014 UN Address, that it was decided to spread awareness and dedicate a day for observance of International Yoga day.
The date of 21 June being selected as International day of Yoga is significant. As per the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 21 June marks the Summer Solstice that is the longest day in the northern hemisphere. In Hindu mythology, Shiva, the first yogi (Adi Yogi), is said to have begun imparting the knowledge of yoga to the rest of mankind on this day, and became the first guru (Adi Guru). Thus, the selection of 21 June as the International day of Yoga holds historical significance.
Yoga Day Slogans
Popular Yoga Day Slogans
- Yoga: Calm Your Mind, Strengthen Your Body
- Yoga: Find Your Inner Warrior
- Find Your Balance
- Breathe, Stretch, Relax, Repeat
- Yoga: The Journey of the Self, Through the Self, To the Self
- Inhale the Future, Exhale the Past
- Transform Your Life, One Breath at a Time
- Yoga: Union of Body, Mind, and Spirit
- Peace, Love, and Yoga
- Stretch Your Limits
- Yoga: Where the Mind Goes, Energy Flows
- Find Your Inner Peace
- Embrace the Flow
- Yoga: Connect with Yourself
- Unlock Your Potential with Yoga
- Harmony and Happiness Through Yoga
- Awaken Your Inner Strength
- Mindful Movement, Peaceful Living
- Yoga: The Art of Living in the Present
- Breathe Deeply, Live Fully
All the slogans on Yoga impart the message of inner peace, loving oneself and the art of living. In today’s fast paced modern world such quotes on Yoga will help you calm down and introspect.
Theme of International Day of Yoga
Every year the UN gives a slogan or theme for the days observed. This theme outlines the motto to be highlighted while observing the said day.
- The theme of the first International day of Yoga observed on 21 June 2015 was “Yoga for Harmony and Peace.”
- The theme for 2016 was “Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.“
- The theme for 2017 International Yoga day was “Yoga for Health“
- The theme for International Yoga day for the year 2018 was “Yoga for Peace“.
- The theme for 2019 International Yoga day was “Yoga for Heart“.
- The International Yoga day theme for 2020 was “Yoga at Home and Yoga with the Family”.
- The theme for the 2021 International Yoga day was “Yoga for well-being”.
- The theme of the 8th International Yoga Day, 2022 was “Yoga for humanity”.
- For the year 2023, the theme of the International Day of Yoga was “Yoga for Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.
- The theme of International day for Yoga 2024 is “Yoga for Women Empowerment”.
Inspirational Quotes on Yoga
Historical Quotes
1. Patanjali (Author of the Yoga Sutras)
“Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer’s own form.”
2. Swami Vivekananda
“You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
3. B.K.S. Iyengar
“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”
4. Paramahansa Yogananda
“Yoga is a science; it is the science of consciousness.”
5. Sri Krishna (Bhagavad Gita)
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
6. Swami Sivananda
“Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even to your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.”
7. T. Krishnamacharya
“Breath is the king of mind.”
8. Mahatma Gandhi
“Yoga is the yoking of all the powers of body, mind, and soul to God; it means the disciplining of the intellect, the mind, the emotions, the will, which that yoga presupposes; it means a poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all its aspects evenly.”
9. Svatmarama (Hatha Yoga Pradipika)
“When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is calmed, the mind too will be still, and the yogi achieves long life. Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.”
10. Swami Kripalu
“The highest form of grace is silence. When you turn your mind inward and meditate on the Self, you will grow in grace. The moment you perceive yourself as God, you will feel his grace.”
These quotes emphasize the profound wisdom and transformative power of yoga, highlighting its importance as a spiritual, mental, and physical practice.
Quotes from Yoga Gurus and Practitioners
There have been several famous yogis who have promoted Yoga as the ideal way of living. Here are yoga quotes from B.K.S. Iyengar, Patanjali, Ramdev, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar:
1. Ramdev
“Yoga is not just a workout, it is about working on yourself.”
“Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind.”
“Yoga is the journey of the self, to the self, through the self.”
2. B.K.S. Iyengar
“Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”
“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.”
“Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.”
“Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
3. Patanjali
“Yoga is the cessation of the movements of the mind. Then there is abiding in the Seer’s own form.”
“Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.”
“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great, and wonderful world.”
4. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“Yoga is the process of uniting your body, mind, and spirit in harmony.”
“Yoga takes you close to your true nature. Yoga with its techniques helps you to harmonize with nature. Peace is our very nature, and yoga leads you to inner peace.”
“Yoga is a study of life, study of your body, breath, mind, intellect, memory, and ego. Study of your inner faculties.”
These quotes reflect the essence of yoga as a practice that harmonizes the body, mind, and spirit, offering insights from some of the most respected teachers in the field.
Modern Influential Quotes
Here are some quotes on yoga from popular modern personalities and celebrities:
1. Oprah Winfrey
“Yoga is about the journey, not the destination.”
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
2. Kareena Kapoor Khan
“Yoga is the reason I can be 32 and have a baby and still have a body I’ve always wanted.”
3. Virat Kohli
“Yoga is the best way to calm my mind, body, and soul.”
“Yoga helps me stay fit and maintain my flexibility, which is crucial for my game.”
4. Jennifer Aniston
“Yoga kind of helps you prepare for everything, honestly. It’s like meditation. It just allows anything that’s coming at you throughout the day to be kind of doable.”
5. Ellen DeGeneres
“Yoga is not about self-improvement, it’s about self-acceptance.”
6. Sting
“Yoga is almost like music in a way; there’s no end to it.”
7. Russell Simmons
“Yoga has really helped me to know myself. It’s an incredible discipline, and I love it for that.”
8. Lady Gaga
“Yoga makes me feel like I’m expanding my mind, body, and soul, all at the same time.”
9. Matthew McConaughey
“Yoga is a way to clear up the past and gain more self-control in your future.”
10. Madonna
“Yoga is a great thing for a singer, for anyone who has to use their voice, mind, and body together.”
11. Gisele Bündchen
“Yoga is about connecting to yourself, to your body, and to the world. It’s a beautiful practice that helps me stay grounded and focused.”
12. Adam Levine
“Yoga has given me the ability to be more focused and make better decisions that come from a place of peace rather than anger.”
13. Shilpa Shetty
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
“Yoga has brought a sense of balance in my life. It’s a way of life for me.”
14. Malaika Arora
“Yoga has changed my life, and I can’t emphasize enough the importance of yoga for a healthy lifestyle.”
“Yoga helps you to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit.”
15. Bipasha Basu
“Yoga is the perfect way to de-stress, increase flexibility, and tone muscles.”
“I started yoga to bring balance to my hectic life, and it has been a transformative experience.”
16. Kangana Ranaut
“Yoga is a powerful vehicle for change. As you build strength, you start to believe in your own potential.”
17. Sushmita Sen
“Yoga is my best friend. It’s a daily practice that helps me stay connected to my inner self.”
“Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured.”
18. Rani Mukerji
“Yoga brings me clarity and peace. It’s a practice that aligns my mind, body, and soul.”
19. Sonam Kapoor
“Yoga has taught me patience, focus, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
20. Anushka Sharma
“Yoga is not just a workout; it’s about working on yourself.”
“Practicing yoga has helped me find inner peace and strength.”
These quotes emphasize the transformative power of yoga and its benefits for the mind, body, and spirit, as shared by some of today’s well-known personalities.
Famous Sayings Related to Yoga
Traditional Sayings
- “Yoga is not about touching your toes, it’s about what you learn on the way down.”
- “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
- “When the breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the breath is still, so is the mind still.”
- “Inhale the future, exhale the past.”
- “The body is your temple. Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.”
- “Yoga is a light, which once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter the flame.”
- “Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.”
- “Healthy plants and trees yield abundant flowers and fruits. Similarly, from a healthy person, smiles and happiness shine forth like the rays of the sun.”
- “The nature of yoga is to shine the light of awareness into the darkest corners of the body.”
- “Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked.”
How Slogans, Quotes, and Sayings Enhance Yoga Day Celebrations
A. Raising Awareness and Engagement
Several companies and brands use yoga slogans for promoting their products and services, particularly those related to health, wellness, fitness, and lifestyle. Here are a few notable examples:
- Lululemon Athletica: This popular athletic apparel company often uses yoga-related slogans such as “Sweat Once a Day” and “This is Yoga.” They emphasize a balanced and active lifestyle through their branding and marketing campaigns.
- Gaiam: Known for their yoga mats, accessories, and wellness products, Gaiam uses slogans like “Say Yes to a Stronger, Healthier You” and “Yoga for Every Body” to promote their brand.
- Nike: While not exclusively a yoga brand, Nike has incorporated yoga into its product lines and marketing campaigns with slogans such as “Yoga is the Ultimate Practice” and “Find Your Flow.”
- Adidas: Similar to Nike, Adidas promotes yoga through their range of athletic wear and equipment, using slogans like “Yoga is the Journey of the Self, Through the Self, To the Self.”
- Manduka: This brand, specializing in high-quality yoga mats and gear, uses slogans such as “Practice On” and “Made for the Journey” to connect with yoga enthusiasts.
- Athleta: A subsidiary of Gap Inc., Athleta focuses on fitness and lifestyle apparel for women and often uses yoga-related themes and slogans in their marketing, like “Power of She” and “The Power of Positivity.”
These brands utilize yoga slogans to align their products with the values of mindfulness, health, and holistic wellness associated with yoga practices.
B. Educational Value
Yoga instructors use a variety of teaching tools to enhance their classes, provide clear instructions, and ensure a safe and effective practice for their students. Here are some common teaching tools used by yoga instructors:
Physical Props
- Yoga Mats: Essential for providing a non-slip surface and cushioning.
- Yoga Blocks: Help with alignment, provide support, and extend reach.
- Yoga Straps: Assist with stretching and maintaining proper alignment.
- Bolsters: Used for support in restorative and prenatal yoga.
- Blankets: Provide cushioning, support, and warmth during relaxation.
- Yoga Wheels: Aid in deepening stretches and improving flexibility.
- Eye Pillows: Used during relaxation or Savasana to block light and promote relaxation.
- Yoga Sandbags: Offer grounding and support during certain poses.
Instructional Tools
- Cueing: Clear verbal instructions on how to perform poses and sequences.
- Demonstrations: Physically showing poses to provide a visual guide.
- Adjustments: Physical corrections to help students achieve proper alignment.
- Hands-On Assists: Gentle guidance to deepen a pose or correct alignment.
- Sequencing: Structuring classes in a logical, progressive manner.
Technological Tools
- Audio Systems: Microphones and speakers to ensure clear verbal instructions in large classes.
- Music Playlists: Curated music to enhance the practice environment.
- Video Recordings: Recorded sessions for online classes or for students to review.
- Yoga Apps: Applications for class planning, sequencing, and student management.
- Projectors and Screens: For displaying visual aids or instructional videos.
Instructional Materials
- Books: Reference materials on anatomy, philosophy, and poses.
- Manuals: Teacher training manuals and guides.
- Posture Charts: Visual aids depicting various yoga poses.
- Flashcards: Quick reference cards for poses and sequences.
Mindfulness Tools
- Meditation Cushions: Provide comfort during meditation practices.
- Incense and Essential Oils: Create a calming atmosphere.
- Singing Bowls: Used for sound healing and to signal the start and end of sessions.
- Affirmation Cards: Positive statements to inspire and motivate students.
Anatomy Tools
- Anatomy Models: Skeletal models or diagrams to explain body mechanics.
- Alignment Guides: Tools like the “Yoga Line” for proper positioning.
Feedback Tools
- Surveys and Questionnaires: To gather feedback from students.
- Progress Journals: For students to track their development and goals.
- Observation: Regularly observing and assessing students’ progress.
Communication Tools
- Newsletters: To keep students informed about class schedules and events.
- Social Media: Platforms to engage with the yoga community and share content.
- Email and Messaging Apps: For direct communication with students.
Specialized Equipment
- Resistance Bands: For strength training and rehabilitation.
- Foam Rollers: For myofascial release and muscle relaxation.
- Balance Boards: To enhance stability and proprioception.
- These tools collectively help yoga instructors provide comprehensive, accessible, and engaging yoga classes that cater to the diverse needs of their students.
C. Personal Motivation and Inspiration
Many people have transformed their lives through Yoga. Here are a few such inspiring real-life stories-
Story 1: Sonia’s Journey to Healing
Sonia was a busy corporate executive who struggled with chronic stress and anxiety. Despite her professional success, her mental and physical health were deteriorating. She decided to try yoga as a last resort. Through consistent practice, she found herself transforming. The pranayama exercises helped calm her mind, and the asanas improved her body awareness and flexibility. Over time, Sonia noticed a drastic reduction in her anxiety levels, improved sleep patterns, and an overall sense of well-being. She even began to approach her work with a newfound calmness and clarity, attributing her transformation to the power of yoga.
Story 2: Mohit’s Recovery from Injury
Mohit was an avid runner who suffered a severe knee injury that left him unable to continue his passion. Depressed and frustrated, he turned to yoga for rehabilitation. Initially, he was doubtful but he gradually took up the practice as he experienced improvements in his mobility and strength. The gentle yet effective asanas helped him rebuild his muscles without aggravating his injury. Within months, Mohit not only recovered from his injury but also discovered a new passion. He became a certified yoga instructor, dedicating his life to helping others recover from physical setbacks just as he had.
Story 3: Priya’s Path to Self-Acceptance
Priya struggled with body image issues and low self-esteem for most of her life. She decided to join a yoga class to improve her physical fitness. What she didn’t expect was the profound impact it would have on her mental and emotional health too. The inclusive and non-judgmental environment of the yoga community helped Priya accept her body and appreciate its capabilities. The mindfulness aspect of yoga taught her to quiet her inner critic and practice self-love. Over time, Priya’s confidence grew, and she started to love herself just the way she was. Her journey through yoga transformed her self-perception and empowered her to live her life without regrets.
Story 4: Aditya’s Battle with Addiction
Aditya battled with substance abuse for years, leading to strained relationships and a disrupted life. Seeking a way to cope with his addiction, he turned to yoga and meditation. The structured discipline of yoga provided him with a healthy routine and a new focus. The meditation practices helped him confront his inner demons and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness. Through the supportive yoga community, Aditya found a sense of belonging and purpose. With perseverance and dedication, he was able to overcome his addiction. Yoga became his anchor, helping him get a new life, ultimately transforming him into a resilient and mindful individual.
Story 5: Mrigha’s Transformation of Mind and Body
Mrigha, a new mother, faced postpartum depression and severe fatigue. She felt disconnected from her body and overwhelmed by her new responsibilities. At a friend’s suggestion, she started attending postnatal yoga classes. The gentle exercises helped her regain physical strength and flexibility, while the breathing techniques and meditation practices provided much-needed mental clarity and emotional balance. Through yoga, Mrigha learned to listen to her body and mind, gradually recovering her energy and zest for life. The supportive environment of the yoga class also offered her a sense of community and shared experience with other new mothers. Yoga transformed Mrigha’s life by helping her reconnect with herself and embrace her new role with confidence and joy.
Conclusion
It can be rightly concluded that Yoga has immense benefits for mankind. The ancient wisdom of the sages is apt for today’s modern world and helps us retain our overall well-being. This holistic approach of Yoga makes it the number one choice for everyone. At every stage of life, the yogic way of life has some benefits to bestow on us. Thus, one cannot undermine Yoga if one wants optimum health.
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