Celebrating International Yoga Day
2023: The year of humanity

International Yoga Day is a universal celebration to acknowledge the impact yoga has in the health and wellbeing of mind, body and spirit.

Narendra Modi of the UN General Assembly said upon announcing the day in 2015: “Yoga is an invaluable gift of ancient Indian tradition and embodies the unity of mind and body, thought and action, restraint, and fulfillment.”

The World Health Organisation has since provided science backed advice and data to promote yoga as a powerful tool for communities to improve not only physical but also mental health, and to prevent and control noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), outwardly encouraging people to unite in the ancient practice for a healthier, happier and more stress-free future for all of humanity. 

At THE UPSIDE we are eternally grateful for how our yogic philosophy and roots continually guide how we operate. As part of our Mindful/Movement we are conscious of the crucial role that community plays in our collective wellness journey.

 So today we want to shine a spotlight on a few yogis in our circle and what the day means to them.

Tee Close

Yoga is forever limitless. One's yogic practice will be ultimately distinct from another. The only aspect of Yoga that has remained consistent for me is embodiment of Humanity that is cultivated during and after my practice- The experience of unity, peace and universal energy we feel after joining a Yoga community or class or by simply going inwards with oneself.

SHOP TEE'S LOOK

Melissa Coates - Mellow Movement

The practice of yoga to me is a gentle reminder of humility. It's surrendering to where we are powerless and a step closer to who we truly are, a coming home. It reminds me that I am forever learning and to remain curious on and off the mat as we navigate through life each day.

SHOP MEL'S LOOK

Patty Miles

Yoga on the mat is a beautiful combination of movements and breath awareness to move energy through the body, improve blood flow, calm the mind… I can talk for days about how good a yoga class feels. But the real yoga happens off the mat. The work we do mentally and emotionally and how we then put these tools of life into motion. Yoga is known as an 8 fold path or the 8 limbs of yoga. The first two limbs have five sections. So picture 16 different boxes, and the yoga you do on your mat (asana practice) is only one of these boxes. The first 10 boxes are a variety of self-discipline practices called the Yamas and Niyamas. How we think, act, speak and conduct ourselves internally, towards others and towards the world. This is the real yoga, and this is what I like to teach when on retreat and in teacher training. Yoga is learning the tools to make life flow harmoniously, so that when you do step on your mat you are embodying the positive efforts of all your hard work off the mat. You are connecting to your true and authentic bliss with every movement. That, it yoga.

THE 8 LIMBS OF YOGA

1.YAMA
Restraints, moral disciplines or moral vows:
Ahimsa (non-violence)
Satya (truthfulness)
Asteya (non-stealing)
Brahmacharya (right use of energy)
Aparigraha (non-greed or non-hoarding)

2.NIYAMA
Positive duties or observances:
saucha (cleanliness)
santosha (contentment)
tapas (discipline or burning desire or conversely, burning of desire)
svadhyaya (self-study or self-reflection, and study of spiritual texts)
isvarapranidaha (surrender to a higher power)

3.ASANA
Posture

4.PRANAYAMA
Breathing Techniques

5.PRATYAHARA
Sense withdrawal

6.DHARANA
Focused Concentration

7.DHYANA
Meditative Absorption

8.SAMADHI
Bliss or Enlightenment

SHOP PATTY'S LOOK