5 Tips On How You Can Mark International Yoga Day This Year.
Acknowledge the benefits of yoga in true yogi style with these 5 tips.
Once a year, yogis all around the world celebrate the UN-declared International Day of Yoga (IDY) on June 21st, which 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.
This invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition embodies unity of mind, body and soul. Thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; 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. Whether you are a seasoned yogi, or just starting out, here are some fun ways to commemorate the day on Gozo.
International Yoga Day 2022: If restrictions allow, the Citadella will be the place to be to join in with the island's yogi collective for 108 sun salutes. This will be led by all yoga teachers on Gozo for the Gozo SPCA. If regulations persist, look out for groups of yogis in your area.
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 pyjamas either. Yogi and Gozo In The House writer Michelle Bartolo has a super YouTube channel full of free practices or why not book an online class via her website. If you do prefer getting together in a group, she runs three different classes a week.
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.
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 based on an extremely subtle science, which focuses on bringing harmony between mind and body. It is the art of healthy living. The word ‘Yoga’ is derived from the Sanskrit root ‘Yuj’, meaning ‘to join’ or ‘to yoke’ or ‘to unite’.
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. But it also offers some fantastic yoga retreats too and you don’t have to be a tourist or visitor to book up. Locals and visitors alike can participate in a Gozo-based self-care regime and pick from the plethora of teachers the island has to offer. Today is the perfect day to choose you and put that time aside for a deeper yoga journey. Search the guide for the perfect retreat on Gozo and get it in your diary.
NAMASTE.
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Author: Andrea Britton
Andrea is the Creative Director and Editor at Gozo In The House. Tweet her at @andreabritton or send stories to hello@gozointhehouse.com.
