International Day of Yoga - June 21
21st June is the International Day of Yoga, declared by the United Nations since 2014.
What do we know about International Yoga Day 2022?
PM Modi announced a theme of ‘Yoga for Humanity’ for this year’s celebration of the International Day of Yoga. Why is it on 21st June? Yoga Australia explains, “The 21 June is the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and shortest in the southern hemisphere – the summer and winter solstices – these times have significant meaning in yoga.”
Yoga is for all shapes, sizes and ages. Image: Envato Elements
Who can practice yoga?
Anyone can practice yoga. I Am Yoga, a board book by Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, brings the tradition to children. Yoga classes may be adaptable. There is also chair yoga for those who want or need to sit down.
What can we do for International Yoga Day in Australia?
Look for local events to celebrate the day. It’s best to do a search for yoga events in your area. I did a search to share some highlights.
I found something on Eventbrite for NSW. There is a page and flyer from Religions for Peace Australia. The City of Parramatta lists some organisations that will host relevant gatherings.
Continue celebrating yoga throughout June. Yoga Day Festival will be held in a few locations. Yoga for unity & wellbeing Australia offers free online and in-person events for 21 days of Yoga. Isha will host events at multiple places and online.
Practice yoga anywhere, even at home. Image: Envato Elements.
Ways to regularly follow a yoga routine
If you want to continue after International Yoga Day and other special occasions in June, there are plenty of accessible resources to practice yoga online or face-to-face.
What clothes to wear for practicing yoga
You don’t have to wear the most trendy designer yoga clothes. However, comfort is important. Consider the fit and choose layers based on the temperature conditions. I recently attended a yoga class on a cold-weather day. The studio was extra warm, thanks to heaters and candles. I actually needed less layers than expected. In summer, I liked wearing long flowing natural pants when practicing yoga outside. I wanted some protection from the mosquitos. Put simply, just like the rest of life, dress for your surroundings and purpose.
I need to mindfully select my tops and bras for yoga because I have a large bust. I would generally avoid a top that has a low neckline or a baggy shape. In my experience, the baggy tops also flop up a bit when moving in particular angles. A fitted tank is pretty good for me. Some people might feel comfortable in relatively fitted tee shirts.
You also don’t have to spend a lot of money on yoga clothes. I found a comfortable soft pair of exercise leggings at an op-shop for just a few dollars. Try the online and physical second hand shops. People may be re-homing yoga clothes in a great condition or completely new. Sometimes people buy the wrong size or quickly decide they don’t have a need for that type of clothing. You could give new or new-ish yoga clothes a home to sustainably prevent waste.
If you want to buy new yoga clothes, look for eco brands that use sustainable materials and methods. Biome has yoga clothes and underwear from Indigo Luna. I feel tempted by these styles because they appear to have a snug fit.
Don’t worry about how you look in your gear. Comfort is key. Remember, these practices are about how you connect with yourself and the universe - not whether you look cool to others.
Yoga. Connect with the breath, spirit, environment and universe. Image: Unsplash.
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