International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21st. It is an entire day devoted to physical, mental and spiritual exercise. However, there are benefits to practicing yoga during the other 364 days that exceed increased flexibility and improved respiration. There are countless lessons that yoga teaches. Therefore, in honor of International Yoga Day, we’ve composed a list of the top 5. We are all students of life, and yoga does its very best to fill the educational gaps. Namaste!
1. Breathe
Deep inhales and long exhales can help you through the most physically challenging poses that yoga has to offer. When faced with difficulties in life, pause and take a breath.
2. Be mindful
Yoga class is an hour spent sitting in a quiet room with no technology and no distractions. Try to remain truly present during the other moments of your life. After all, today is a gift, and that is why we call it the present.
3. Listen to your body
If your body is giving off subtle hints that, perhaps, a particular pose is too advanced, then do not overextend yourself. Similarly, do not play dumb if your body begins to drop clues that it might be time for some rest and relaxation.
4. Patience
This lesson pairs especially well with lesson 3 because, when you listen to your body’s response to a difficult pose, it’s essential to have patience and to trust that one day you will be able to hold that pose. Look beyond the mindset of instant gratification and be patient when tackling challenges.
5. Failure is key
In yoga as well as in life, there cannot be success without failure, and nothing is more rewarding than rising up from failure. Do not be afraid to fail.
