By – Dr. N. Munal Meitei
International Yoga Day, celebrated on June 21st, highlights the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga, emphasizing its connection to both individual well-being and environmental harmony. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the interconnectedness of personal health and the planet’s health. The theme calls the fact that caring for the self and the earth are the same.
Yoga, originating in India, promotes mindfulness, balance and a deeper bond with nature, encouraging sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. The idea of International Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his address to the 69th United Nations General Assembly on 27, September 2014, where he urged the UN to declare a global day for yoga on June 21st due to its symbolic significance as the Summer Solstice- the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Indian mythology believes that this day marks the start of Lord Shiva’s teachings on yoga to disciples.
By practicing yoga, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and harmony, which can inspire us to make more conscious choices that benefit both ourselves and the environment. Ecology and human consciousness cannot be separated. The first fundamental fact of looking inward is always to see that we are naturally very much a part of everything around us. But the problem is, we are always looking at life in pieces – and that will never work. Only because human beings have become insensitive, we talk of saving the environment but forget that we are protected by Mother Earth. We should understand that, whether we like it or not, we are reverberating as a part of this existence.
Yoga is an essential science based on nature to bring this understanding and coexistence. This knowledge was transmitted thousands of years ago by the yogis. When we go for human wellbeing, we destroy the very basis of our existence. That we give with different names– ecological problems, pollution, climate crisis – but human beings are just looking out in pursuit of wellbeing. The only ultimate solution and the only way human beings will truly know wellbeing, is by turning inward. This is what yoga means. Not up, not out, but only way out is in.
Yoga is the only process in which you can exercise without any equipment. In Yoga, you can drive away your diseases without any medicine. With Yoga, you can increase the flexibility of your body. If there is flexibility, then the pain is much relieved in that body. If a person does Yoga for 20/30 minutes daily, then his body does not get tired throughout the day.
Yoga is very beneficial for children. Yoga is also helpful in calming the mind and it is also helpful in showing the right attitude and improve human posture. Doing Yoga produces positive thoughts and it also takes the mind to do the right things. Muscles get strong by doing Yoga. By going to the gym, also strengthen muscles, but when you do Yoga, your muscles become strong, and at the same time, it becomes flexible. Yoga, we can reduce anxiety. With Yoga, mental stress and hypertension remain away from the body.
Yoga helps bones remain strong and reduces joint pain, arthritis and back pain. Yoga increases blood flow, improves heart rate, boosts immunity, helps in controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Weight loss is also quick and easy due to Yoga. Yoga enhances peace in mind and makes the person happy all the time leading to good sleep.
Yoga, with its emphasis on holistic well-being, can help people become more mindful and environmentally conscious. People gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things and the significance of protecting the planet by incorporating yoga into their daily lives. Yoga also encourages a positive relationship with nature by instilling in its practitioners a respect for and aware of the environment. By practicing Yoga, people eat less, helping the environment by reducing their carbon footprint and promoting a healthier planet.
Consistent with yoga’s core principles, which promote finding equilibrium both inside oneself and with the rest of the world. The International Yoga Day can act as a catalyst for a change by creating a setting where people can discover their inner selves, foster well-being and take positive action for a sustainable future. It offers a forum for yoga enthusiasts, environmentalists and proponents of the share knowledge.
Yoga, not only for personal physical and mental wellness but also for planetary and ecological well-being. Considering the close connection between human health and the health of the planet, PM Modi stated that yoga is not only important for individual health but also for the wellbeing of the entire world.
This year theme echoes a vital truth that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably intertwined. This mindfulness allows one to choose healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family.
We definitely should do something on this day that will bring a big change for the planet. Events planned for the day in Manipur and across the country, include yoga sessions, tree plantation and awareness programs on Yoga, environment and sustainable future for all. Let’s embrace the fusion of environmental and inner well-being to promote peaceful coexistence with humanity and the environment we live in.
(The author is a Environmentalist working as DFO/Chandel, email- nmunall@yahoo.in)