Today, on the 11th International Yoga Day, I have participated in a local event that was conducted by various prominent Yoga Teachers(Gurus). Almost 200 people participated in this mega event, and they learnt the Yoga Asanas and breathing techniques taught by experienced Yoga Teachers.
They explained everything about Yoga, the advantages of doing Yoga, and meditation techniques. Also, about keeping humans with peace of mind, physical strength, mental strength, and very proactive thoughts. And explained some Yoga poses practically, we did the same.
After moving to a modernized world, we ignored Yoga. But Yoga is a very powerful weapon; you can’t replace it with anything in this universe. It is more powerful than any medicine in this universe. It cures and prevents everything if you practice it at the proper age.
Truly, Yoga makes a very powerful human being in this world. It gives you a lot of energy, knowledge, and enthusiasm. So, practicing Yoga makes you a very intellectual person, and keeps you very superior force on this earth.
This year’s 2025 theme is Yoga for One Earth, one health. Reminding the origin of Yoga in India, the great ancient Indian saint who was Patanjali Maharshi, invented Yoga in the Bhaarath Bhubaagh, and it gradually spread worldwide with its huge practice all over the world.
So, to make it official, on December 11, 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131. The draft resolution recognising the International Day of Yoga was proposed by India and was endorsed by a record 175 member countries.
Now, let us know what Yoga is. How to Practice it? And the advantages of Yoga. And other special things of Yoga.
What Is Yoga?
So, you have heard the word “yoga” quite a bit, right? Perhaps you caught a glimpse of someone twisting herself into a pretzel on Instagram or had a friend say, “Yoga helps me chill out.” But hold up — what is yoga, anyway?
Well, yoga is not just about fancy poses or flexible bodies. In fact, it’s a potent blend of physical activity, mental concentration, and spiritual enhancement that dates way, way back — all the way back to ancient India. It all started with a profound philosophy developed to help individuals take control of their body and mind so they could achieve peace, balance, and even spiritual freedom.
That’s right, the seed of yoga may have taken root even before the Vedic age. Over several millennia, yoga developed with traditions associated with Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, especially along the eastern and western Ganges.
The original styles of yoga had more to do with meditation and self-discipline than stretching. You’ll also find traces of yoga in the Rigveda and the early Upanishads, but the actual structure came much later, especially during the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, with the ascetic movements of Jainism and Buddhism. One of the most widely known yoga texts ever, The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, appeared a little later and became a kind of central guide, especially in Hindu streams.
Then along came Hatha yoga, which began to emerge from the 9th to the 11th centuries. This iteration incorporated physical postures (asanas) and practices from tantra.
Fast forward to today and yoga is everywhere — in gyms, studios, parks, and even in living rooms across the globe! But here’s the catch: the contemporary yoga that most Westerners practice today is just a piece of the pie. It’s commonly centered around stretching, overall physical fitness and relaxation, largely through the postures, or asanas. That’s all well and good, but the original yoga goes far beyond that, focusing on meditation, breathwork and putting worldly distractions aside.
(Shout out to Swami Vivekananda, who brought yoga to the West in the late 1800s — interestingly enough, sans poses!) It wasn’t until the 20th century that Hatha yoga — the type of yoga that has become synonymous with the practice, which tends to prioritize postures over tranquillity and mindfulness — began to take off worldwide.
🇮🇳 PM Modi Takes Part in International Yoga Day 2025 at Andhra Pradesh
And on the subject of yoga and its global reach… today, it was right from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, that we had India’s very own Prime Minister. String By Appending the star power of Narendra Modi, as he participated in an elaborate International Yoga Day celebration on June 21, 2025!
The event was gargantuan — people joined along a 26-km-long yoga corridor from R.K. Beach, making it one of the largest yoga crowds in the country.
And by taking part himself, PM Modi demonstrated just how vital yoga is — not only as a form of exercise, but as a national movement toward well-being, mindful living, and unity. He’s there to inspire the millions throughout India (and the world!), even a few minutes to stretch, breathe, and have moments for oneself.
So if you’ve never practiced yoga, perhaps today’s the right day to roll out that mat, take a deep breath, and give it a try.
Keep cool, stretch regularly, and let that inner peace flourish!
Read more: What is Blood Sugar?
My Friend Did Yoga — This Is What I Learned (Plus, So Can You!)
So, one of my friends signed up for yoga in town, and on an honest scale, I was intrigued. At first, I thought yoga was just about stretching or contorting your body in crazy shapes. But I started changing my tune when I witnessed her commitment — and the serene glimmer on her face after every session.I came to realise that there’s more to yoga than meets the eye.
She told me the names of the yoga positions she’d picked up. And, whoa! Some of them could be from a superhero training manual:
> ARDHACAKRASANA, BHUJANGASANA, CHAKRASANA, DHANURASANA, HALASANA, MATYASANA, NATARAJASANA, PASCHIMOTTASANA, SALABHASANA, SARVANGASANA, SIRSASANA, TRIKONASANA, USHTRASANA, VAJRASANA, SIDDHASANA, GOMUKHASANA, SIMHASANA>
Yeah, that’s a lot, right? But each of those poses, or asanas, has a reason — and trust me, they really work.
##Why Try Yoga? (It’s Not Just About Flexibility)
Yoga, it has emerged, is much more than poses. It is a full-body, full-mind experience that offers the potential to enhance both your physical and mental health. Let me break it down:
Physical Benefits:
Flexibility: Routine stretching can help loosen tight muscles and joints.
Strength: Most yoga poses do double duty, using your own body weight to help tone your arms, your legs, and even your core muscles.
Balance: If you are trying not to fall out of Tree Pose or just want to walk with more confidence, yoga can help.
Pain Relief: Folks with back pain, arthritis, and migraines repeatedly report that yoga helps relieve their pain more than any other treatment.
Improved Breathing & Heart Health: Your lungs and heart thank you with breathwork (pranayama).
Mental Benefits
Stress relief: This is a big one. Yoga makes you slow down and be cool.
Anxiety & Depression: Helps to reduce your mental burden.
Better Sleep & Mood: Everyone wants to sleep well and have a better mood.
Mindfulness: Yoga makes you more present with your body, your thoughts, and your feelings.
Sharper Brain: Research also suggests better memory and focus!
##Different Styles of Yoga (Find What Fits *You*)
One size does not fit all when it comes to yoga. There are gentle models and intense models. Here are some you may run into:
Hatha Yoga – a combo of simple poses and breath work. Great for beginners.
Vinyasa Yoga – Flowing, following movement with breath.
Ashtanga Yoga- More sportive and progressive.
Bikram (Hot) Yoga - 26 poses in a 110-degree room. Bring a towel. And water. Lots of it.
Iyengar yoga – Everything is about alignment. It’s thinking props, slow movement, holding poses that you don’t normally hit in a vinyasa class.”
Kundalini Yoga – Intense in that it’s all about the breath and spiritual energy vibes.
Restorative Yoga – Relaxing and gentle. Perfect after a long day.
Aerial Yoga–Poses that are done mid-air with the help of a fabric hammock. Yep, like flying!
## Yoga for Kids – Because They Need It Too!
And here’s something really fascinating: kids are the original yogis. Have you ever seen a toddler stretch out on the floor in a cobra, or get off the ground and kick their legs into a perfect downward dog without even trying? Exactly.
Today, life is full for kids as well. They’re stressed out more than we realize, with school, homework, and screen time. Yoga can help.
Why Kids Should Do Yoga:
- Develops concentration and focus (so, hello, homework!)
- Increases energy, confidence, and creativity
- Aids in coping with anxiety, fear or anger
- Promotes good habits early
- Puts spine in correct alignment for standing healthier and stronger posture, flexibility & strength.
- Lowers screen obsession (please and thank you!)
Easy Yoga Poses for Kids:
Show Caption of Expand a little Hadji studios) Virabhadrasana (Warrior Pose, above) builds strength and confidence.
Vrikshasana(Tree pose) –Increases concentration and balance.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose) – This pose strengthens the muscles and back.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) – Increases blood supply to the brain.
Shavasana (Corpse Pose) – Absolute relaxation. Even kids love this one.
Then, there are also some cool programs- Utkarsh Yoga, Medha Yoga, and The Intuition Process by Art of Living – that are tailor-made for kids and teenagers. What you’ll get: They are a blend of yoga, fun, and life skills. Sounds like a win to me!
Considering signing up for a class?
Here’s what you need to know if you’re starting out:
Start slow. Beginner classes are your best option.
Talk to your instructor. List any other injuries or conditions.
Stay within your limits. It’s not a competition.
Dress in comfortable clothes, and drink water.
Most classes have: Breathing exercises, postures, and meditation.
A Quick Heads-Up:
Though yoga is generally safe, practitioners with certain conditions (including pregnancy, high blood pressure, arthritis or glaucoma) should speak with a doctor or yoga teacher before practicing. There are variations for most poses, so fret not — you can still receive the goodness.
Now I wince at my earlier misconceptions that yoga was reserved for super-flexible people or swamis. But I know better now — there’s yoga for everybody. Young, old, stiff, stressed, curious, or just god-awful tired… yoga takes you in.
If you want to lift your mood, sleep better, grow stronger, or simply breathe easier, start with where you are. A single pose each day can also prove to be effective.
And who knows? Perhaps you will fall in love with it, as my friend did.
Now, we know the Yoga Postures, types of Yoga, benefits of Yoga, and Yoga for Kids, but how to practice Yoga? This is an actual challenge for the people who want to learn it.
Now, let us know how to practice it?
New to Yoga? Everything You Need to Get Started
So, you want to begin yoga? First of all — phenomenal selection! No matter if you want some gentle stretching, to feel calmer, or simply to move your body a bit more consciously, yoga is a lovely place to start.
If you’re new to yoga and not sure where to begin, don’t worry — you’ve come to the right place.
Yoga is exercise, yes, but much more as well. It’s a soft and strong practice that links your body, breath, and mind. Most people begin yoga to increase their flexibility or strength, but within a few sessions, they often find it affects their stress, their pain, their ability to sleep, and more. Sounds pretty amazing, right?
Let me make it simple to understand even if you have no clue what it is, if you are a beginner.
What Is Yoga, Really?
Yoga is not just about turning yourself into an ultra-bendy pretzel (and no one’s expecting you to do that!). It’s a full mind-body practice that integrates:
- Asanas and movements
- The breath (pranayama).
- Just some quiet time to meditate or be mindful
Yoga has its roots in India, thousands of years ago, and is focused on getting you to feel more centered, physically, mentally, and even emotionally. When done regularly, it can make a serious improvement to your flexibility, strength, and mood. it could even improve your bust and help you snooze more soundly and reduce stress, at least, according to folks like the American Osteopathic Association.
Essential to Practicing Yoga
Let’s translate the three core components of yoga into simple English:
1. Asanas (Yoga Poses)
These are the actions or poses you will be practicing. They can also provide a stretch and a strengthening workout for various parts of your body. Over time, you’ll notice:
More flexibility
Better posture
Stronger muscles
Less stiffness or pain
And don’t think that you need to be flexible to begin practicing yoga. You get flexible by doing it!
2. Pranayama (Breath Control)
This is where you focus on your breath. You’ll learn how to take deep, slow breaths, which will:
Calm your mind
Reduce anxiety or tension
Increase your level of attention and your energy.
3. Meditation
Ah, the stillness part. Some say that this helps slow down your mind and allows you to connect more deeply to your body. A few minutes of sitting still with your eyes closed can lead to greater clarity and peace. It’s like a mental reset.
How to Begin Your Yoga Practice
Ready to begin? Here’s a beginner-friendly guide for people just like you:
✔️ Find a Good Teacher or Class
Find beginner-friendly yoga classes, either online or in your area. You’ll know how to move safely and properly: Get an instructor to teach you.
✔️ Take It Slow
You don’t have to learn it all on day one. Seriously. Just start with the basics. If a pose feels like too much, feel free to modify or take a break.
✔️ Practice Consistently
Even 10 to 15 minutes a day can be very helpful. The key? Attend consistently, not perfectly.
✔️ Create Your Calm Space
Pick a quiet place in your home — roll out a mat, dim the lights, and create a little wellness nook.
✔️ Set Your Intentions
Before every practice, stop and inquire, “What do I need today?” Whether it’s comfort, strength or just peace of mind — hold onto that.
✔️ Enjoy the Process
This is not a race or a performance. Yoga is your personal time. Be patient with your body. Be kind to yourself. And most importantly — have fun along the way!
Here, read the words of Sadhguru once said,
“If you know how to use this body as an instrument, it is the most fantastic and powerful instrument on the planet. Yoga is toward this.’”
And you know what? Because it’s true — your body isn’t merely a machine to power you through life; it’s your portal to peace, strength, and inner joy. Yoga is how you learn to play that instrument and use it to its maximum.
Isha Yoga & Meditation – A Path Everyone Can Take
Whether you are very new to yoga or ready to experience more, Isha Yoga offers something for everyone. All of them have been personally handcrafted by Sadhguru with a single aim – to help you manifest your highest potential in every aspect.
Beginner Programs
If you are new to yoga, don’t worry. These are great beginner-friendly workouts to help get you started in your journey to become a fitter you. It’s easy to do and has powerful benefits. Wait, so you’ll start feeling lighter, more present, and more alive (in just a few minutes a day).
Advanced Programs
Ready to take it deeper? Some programs like Bhava Spandana, Shoonya Intensive, and Samyama are all about those who want to go beyond the physical. These are profound inward experiences that can allow you to transcend the prison of the mind and body.
Yoga for Children
That’s right, kids can benefit from yoga! Isha’s children’s programs impart simple, yet potent tools to enhance their innate potential and bring these beautiful qualities to life, in balance and in control. And, let’s face it, kids today need environmental and ecological understanding more than ever.
Special Programs
In search of something a little more experiential? Experience Sacred Walks or participate in Shivanga Sadhana, intense travels which combine meditation, physical rigors, and a heightened sense of deep inner change.
Teacher’s Training
Ready to take your learning out to the world? Isha’s Teacher Training Program provides you with everything you need to help others to their well-being. It isn’t a course, it’s not even a commitment—it is a life change.
From the above trainings, you can become a more experienced yoga practitioner. But here I am referring to the above guide just for knowledge.
Know here what Ayush is and what its responsibilities are to promote Yoga.
What is AYUSH and How It Helps Yoga?
The word AYUSH is one you may have heard, but perhaps were never sure what it meant. In fact, AYUSH is an acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy. These are ancient systems of medicine that have been practiced in India (and elsewhere) for thousands of years — and they’re recognized and promoted by the Indian government.
These systems each have their own unique philosophy, but they are all aimed at maintaining the balance of body, mind, and spirit. Rather than simply treating disease, IAMS places a strong emphasis on preventing disease and promoting wellness.
Let me break it down for you:
Ayurveda is a comprehensive system of medicine originating in India that aims to promote health by balancing the body, mind, and spirit through the use of natural remedies, dietary and lifestyle practices.
Yoga & Naturopathy are complementary to each other. Yoga strengthens your body and calms your mind through postures, breathwork and meditation, and Naturopathy utilises natural means such as water, diet and sunlight to encourage the body to heal itself.
Unani originated in ancient Greece, but it has been a part of Indian medicine for centuries. It’s rooted in balancing the body’s four humors — blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.
Siddha is one of the oldest medical systems in the world, while popularly practiced in South India that emphasizing energy balance in the body and use of various herbs, minerals, and yogic strategies.
Homeopathy, which originated in Germany but is popular in India, involves giving people small doses of naturally occurring substances that would produce symptoms of illness in larger doses.
Role of AYUSH in Promotion of Yoga
Yoga is the most conspicuous of these as a practice and as a way of life. As yoga has become more available throughout India and across the globe, AYUSH has led the way. Through a variety of government-supported programs, health camps, and research centers, the Ministry of AYUSH promotes the practice of yoga for daily wellness, not only for flexible bodies but also for better sleep, mental calm, and general harmony.
“With AYUSH’s support, we now have an International Yoga Day celebrated every year with millions from all over the world participating. From schools to workplaces to communities as a whole, individuals are being motivated to incorporate yoga into everyday life, and it is having a positive impact on their health.
In this high-speed, ever more stressful world, AYUSH brings us back to our roots. It is a reminder that health is not only treating disease but living in balance, with nature, with our thoughts, with ourselves.
So, the next time you stretch into a yoga pose or sip on a hot herbal beverage, know that you are tapping into a profound, potent system that has been supporting lives for thousands of years—and that is what AYUSH is all about.
Feel free to let me know if you want a specific SEO-friendly Title or a shortened Meta Description for this blog section!
Final Words
When it comes to beginning yoga, it’s not about doing it perfectly — it’s about showing up for yourself, one breath at a time. So, if you are wondering, start. Unroll that mat (or towel), take a deep breath , and say yes to this gorgeous, healing practice.
Ever wonder how yoga could really change your life? For some, it is something simple — like learning to breathe in the face of stress, or to handle pain a little better. For some, yoga has helped strengthen the back, particularly when sitting for long periods in meditation, they say. For some, it’s searching for tranquillity, increasing flexibility, or simply taking a break from a busy day.
Have you ever marveled at how some people are just so good at yoga? You may be wondering: How on earth do they pull that off? The solution often is straightforward: practice. That’s really it. The more you step foot on the mat, the more gains you’ll make — both physically and mentally.
Yoga also prompts deeper questions. Does it make you meditate better? Is there really an enhancement of focus or awareness, or something to that effect from it? What benefits have you experienced — less anxiety, more energy or just better sleep?
And then there is the cultural side. Did you ever wonder about the contrast between Western yoga and its Indian version? Some bristle at how much it has been commercialized, or the fact that it’s come to be equated simply with stretching, when it’s about so much more than flexibility. It’s a way of combining body, breath, and mind entirely.
For example, perhaps you will find through yoga a new relationship with your body. Or maybe you’ve gone to a class and caught your mind wandering to your to-do list. That’s okay too. It’s all part of the process.
I hope you enjoyed this theory. If you know more about Yoga, don’t forget to comment below.