INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY
Yoga is an ancient art and science that refreshes the mind and soothes the soul. “Yoga for Humanity” is the theme for this year’s International Yoga Day. The COVID-19 Pandemic has not only been difficult for our physical health, but it also has had a negative impact on our mental health. As a result, health issues such as depression and anxiety are on the rise. Yoga is beneficial for overall health and many of life’s challenges can improve with yoga. Yoga maintains the harmony of the body, mind, breath, and essence. It helps people manage and often overcome health problems such as stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD if practiced on a regular basis. Yoga encourages self-awareness, personal power, and self-healing. It helps to reduce toxins in the body, while also improving flexibility, agility, and balance, brain function, and overall health. Yoga strengthens and stabilizes the spine, relieving back pain, stress, anxiety and tension. It helps maintain a balanced metabolism and increases flexibility. Regular yoga practice creates mental clarity, calmness, and relieves chronic stress — which means it will help you with physical, mental, emotional and spiritual imbalances to bring you back to a place of equanimity.
THINGS TO DO TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST 2022:
Take a yoga class outdoors
Participate in your favorite Zoom Yoga class
Join a Yoga Studio or Recreation Center that offers ongoing yoga classes to support your practice
Watch a YouTube video that offers the level of class that is appropriate for you
Check out the Himalayan Institute for great yoga guidance
Look on Yoga Alliance (www.YogaALliance.org) for Benefits of Yoga and How to FInd the Right Teacher for You
SUMMER SOLSTICE
In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice is the longest day of sunlight, when the sun appears to pause in the sky—giving it the name “sol” (sun) and “stice” (stillness). Summer Solstice is the season where we are most connected to our bodies and the natural world. Flowers are blooming and fruits and vegetables are ripe for the harvest. There is an abundance of food, energy, and light and we are receiving the heat and nourishment of the sun. It is a time to celebrate the harvest. What seeds of intentions did you plant that are ready to harvest? What can you enjoy about your life today? How can you celebrate?
THINGS TO DO TUESDAY, JUNE 21ST, 2022:
Spend time in nature: go for a hike or visit a local botanical garden to enjoy the flower displays
Go to the beach, which balances the elements of sun and water
Have a bonfire (in a safe place) with your friends and family
Rest, especially in the hot parts of the afternoon
Write down your intentions from this year that have manifested and celebrate yourself—have a special dinner or even a party
Spend time with water, including cooling baths, sprinklers, water parks, or wherever you can access it
Eat local fruits and vegetables that are ripe and in season, ideally from a farmer’s market
Enjoy summer solstice and International Yoga Day!
Jeanne and John
