5 Ways To Celebrate International Yoga Day In Gozo.
Gozo is a haven for yogis and it is fast becoming the place to be on International Yoga Day. Read on for the reasons why.
Once a year, yogis all around the world celebrate the UN-declared International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21st, which also happens to be the Summer Solstice. It’s a day to acknowledge mentally, physically, and emotionally—the benefits of yoga, and connect and share with friends and community members across the world. It’s about community.
The invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition embodies the unity of mind, body, and soul. Thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature and an overall holistic approach to health and wellbeing. It is not necessarily about exercise but more about discovering your sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature.
The Citadella plays host to an extraordinary inclusive International Yoga Day Ceremony that encapsulates the island’s yogi collective and honours this special time with a collective 108 sun salutes. It is a beautiful event to be a part of and worth planning your trip around. Whether you are a seasoned yogi, or just starting out, here are some fun ways to commemorate the day on Gozo.
1. Start International Yoga Day With A Flow
To start International Yoga Day in a great headspace, start with an easy morning practice. It doesn’t have to be a long one and you don’t need to change out of your pajamas either. Yogi and Gozo In The House writer Michelle Bartolo has a super YouTube channel full of free practices or event better – why not book a class via her website? She has both in-person and online offerings.
2. Grab You Mat And Head To The Beach
Arguably, there is no better place to practice your sun salutations than beachside within the awe-inspiring elements of nature surrounding you. We are spoilt for choice for such locations on Gozo. There are numerous hidden places to pop your mat down, tucked away around our glorious coastline. We love hitting the cliffs at Xlendi at sunset so don’t wait until International Yoga Day to do so!
3. Switch Up Your Routine
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut in our daily lives and it’s no different with your yoga practice. If you’ve been going to the same place doing the same practice with the same instructor it may be time to try something new. Use today as an excuse to find and schedule something new.
“Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body”
Dr. Ishwar V. Basavaraddi
4. Bring Some New Yogi Style Into Your Home on International Yoga Day
We are blessed with some wonderful independent shops on Gozo and whether you are looking to add something new to your sacred space or bring in a new scent to your home, you’ll be sure to find it in town. There’s always room for some sweet-smelling incense or essential oils. Choose local and choose fairtrade. Try Organika on Independence Square or WOOW (World Of Open Wings) in Victoria.
5. Retreat
Gozo is well known to be a place of healing for those seeking time out of their busy lives so why not book a Retreat on Gozo through Gozo In The House. Whether you are looking for something one-to-one or within a small group, today is the perfect day to choose you and put that time aside for a deeper yoga journey.
Namaste.
Retreats In Gozo
Book a retreat in Gozo using our handy guide.
Author: Andrea Britton
Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at GITH. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to hello@gozointhehouse.com.
