Yoga: The practice of living

Yoga is a wonderful practice of training the body and the mind, it offers peace and mindfulness to its practitioners and benefits them get through daily stress

Origin of Yoga

Lord Shiva is considered to be the originator of Yoga, among his many names, he is also called Adiyogi (the first yogi). It is said that Yoga was brought to the people by Saptarishis. The story goes this way – Shiva was sitting in blissful meditation for years. Many people flocked to him out of curiosity but left as he never paid attention to anyone. But out of them, all seven people stayed, they were so determined to learn from Shiva, that they sat still for almost 84 years. After this on the day of the summer solstice, when the sun was shifting from the northern to the southern run, Shiva took notice of these 7 beings and could no longer ignore them. 28 days later, the next full moon Shiva turned into their Adiguru (First Guru) and transmitted the science of Yoga to the Saptarishis.

Yoga is a trend that has been flourishing from ancient years, rather now it has become a trendsetter in maintaining both mental and physical well-being. Each yogic activity is a key to improving flexibility, strength, balance and attaining harmony. 

Significance of yoga

Medically it is proven that yogic activities help human well-being in many ways e.g. lowers anxiety, reduce stress, improve sleep, cure respiratory disorders, regulate high blood pressure, maintain blood sugar, aid digestive issues, and many more. Ultimately it is said to promote mindfulness, increase self-compassion, elevate mood and all of this comprises good health.

International Yoga Day

On Dec 11, 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day. Authorities said they chose this date because it is the longest day of the year (summer solstice) and is considered significant in many parts of the world.

So, let’s take an oath from the 21^st of June to involve Yoga as a part of our routine life to improve our overall wellness.

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self”

Y = Your

O = Objective

G = Guidelines

A = Assessment

Dr. Smita Swami

(Author is an Assistant Professor at Topiwala National Medical College & BYL Nair Ch. Hospital, Mumbai)