Contrary to popular belief and opinion Yoga isn’t about being able to twist your body like a pretzel. Yoga isn’t limited to a mat. There is no age barrier for Yoga. Neither is it just for flexible bodies, nor is it glorified stretching. So then, what is the purpose of Yoga?
Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha (Calm the fluctuations of your mind).
- Patanjali
The father of yoga, Patanjali, wrote this as the first yoga sutra of the 195 sutras he went on to explain. The purpose of yoga is then to go to the root causes of what is killing us – stress. Calming the fluctuations of the mind releases this stress and that is why the relevance of yoga globally is much higher today than ever.
There are many types and styles of Yoga, that have been popularised. Hatha Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Yin Yoga are just a few examples. While they all have different methods to practice the asanas, one thread unites them, which is the harmony between the mind and body. Today, when there is finally conversation about the impact of mental health on our quality of life, Yoga has always and continues to represent life, by reminding us that without a composed mind, our body, the vehicle which is driving us won’t function well. June 21 is International Yoga Day, and we at Unhurry® bring to you articles to support why every mind is a Yoga mind and each body is a Yoga body.
Research says thatYoga In Schools Helps Kids With Stress And Anxiety. Not limited to just “physically able” bodies, science says, Yoga also alleviates a lot of chronic pain in people of different age groups. In a first study, Chair Yoga As Effective Alternative Treatment For Osteoarthritis brings hope to people with poor mobility who never thought they could do yoga. As a mental health platform our focus is to create a safe space to nurture the mind and the body. And this month, we are proud to celebrate a form of movement which does exactly that. YOGA IS FOR EVERYBODY. Come on, find a style of Yoga that works for you and go on a date with your mind and body.
June also marks Pride month. A month to celebrate love, identity, to amplify the accomplishments and struggles faced by the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex Asexual and the + is for expanding and newer understandings of diverse gender and sexual identities)1 community. It is celebrated annually to honour 1969 Stonewall riots, in which the supporters of Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising to resist the police harassment LGBTQIA+ Americans were subjected to.2 The beautiful rainbow flag, the symbol of Pride was created by Gilbert Baker in 1978 and stands for hope.3
As we have moved decades ahead, there is progress, the age of ‘coming out’ is now dramatically younger as gay, lesbian and bisexual teens find wider family support. However, heavy discrimination, bullying and homophobia are still very prevalent, leading to severe mental health issues. Particularly, at ages where an individual’s personality is still being shaped, they are subjected to trauma, which can scar them for life. But why?
This month alongside putting out the difficulties the community faces our goal is to publish pieces that highlight the value of support, respect, positivity and kindness. If there is equality and humanity demonstrated at an early age, there can be prevention of a lot of mental illnesses or substance abuse. This research says that Students binge drink less in locales with more affirmative LGBTQ school climates. Love is love and acceptance is key. Let’s pave way for a more compassionate and sensitive society.
Happy International Yoga Day & Happy Pride Month. Celebrate and Champion your wonderful lives and yourselves.
References:
- LGBTQIA+ 101. (n.d.). Princeton Gender + Sexuality Resource Center. https://www.gsrc.princeton.edu/lgbtqia-101
- Youth.Gov. (2019). June Is LGBT Pride Month | Youth.gov. Youth.gov. https://youth.gov/feature-article/june-lgbt-pride-month
- Rainbow. (2019). Rainbow Flag: Origin Story. Gillbert Baker. https://gilbertbaker.com/rainbow-flag-origin-story/