The Origin

International Day of Yoga is celebrated annually on the 21st of June— a date chosen because of its symbolism of the summer solstice— otherwise known as the longest day of the year in the North. The day was originally proposed by India’s Prime Minister in 2014, and later that year, it was officially approved and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.  This day is meaningful in many cultures’ traditions. People across the world come together to practice yoga to learn more about its healing benefits and its ability to promote physical/mental well-being. 

Importance of the Day

Yoga is more than just stretching or sitting quiet. It’s a way of connecting your body and mind together. In today’s world where stress is everywhere and people are always in a rush, yoga gives us a moment to slow down. It helps with focus, anxiety, and even pain in the back or legs. You don’t have to be flexible or an expert to start— even small steps can make you feel calmer and more in control of your life. 

Many people want to feel better but are unsure of where to begin. Some believe that yoga is only for those deeply interested in health, and some possess neither the time nor the place to practice yoga. Furthermore, with social media becoming more and more popular, we tend to forget to take breaks to move our bodies. Everybody is far too busy scrolling— but nobody is pausing to check on how they are feeling inside. This imbalance remains one of the biggest problems to this day. 

UNESCO BMW’s Involvement

UNESCO BMW supports this day by spreading awareness and encouraging people to prioritize their well-being. We post uplifting content on social media and organize activities such as online meditation workshops to spread yoga. Additionally, our main program promoting wellness, the ReWind program, provides useful stress-management strategies. UNESCO BMW wants everyone to have the wonderful chance to try yoga and feel its benefits in their lives.

UNESCO BMW’s Vision

UNESCO BMW believes that mental and physical health should be for anyone at any stage of life. Our goal is to help people around the world live healthier and at peace with their bodies. By supporting yoga and other wellness habits, we hope to reduce stress, improve focus and build stronger communities. UNESCO BMW’s vision includes a world where practices like yoga help promote not only inner balance, but also gender equality and care for the environment, making these values a natural part of how we live every day.

By: Hirwa Lionel

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