International Yoga Day: Top Tips to a Happier You
It is perhaps fitting that International Yoga Day is celebrated on the same day as the summer solstice, June 21st.
The longest day of the year, the summer solstice has come to embody the power of potential, symbolising a lighting of our consciousness.
In proposing the adoption of International Yoga Day, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, praised yoga as being an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition: “It is not about exercise, but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world, and nature. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature, [and] a holistic approach to health and well being.”
In this vein, Columbia Beach Resort’s yoga instructor, Elizabeth Daskoulidou, shares some of her top tips for how standard teachings of yoga can powerfully impact your everyday life for the better.
Breathe in; Breathe out
Simple as it may sound, the power of pausing the chaos of the world around you to take a deep, soothing breath cannot be overstated. And it’s applicable for a range of emotions. When you feel anger ignite within you, take a few deep breaths before saying something you may regret; when you’re hurrying about, rushing from one job to the next, take a moment to breathe and behold a beautiful site, or smell the roses (perhaps literally!). You’ll feel energised for it, and happier overall.
Maintain a Mantra
Mantras needn’t be restricted to chanting in a yoga session: choose one that inspires you, and recite it to yourself everyday as a little pick-me-up in helping you to focus your mind and your goals.
Let it Go
The three-word phrase ‘let it go’ may have been appropriated by a certain Disney film, but the yogic philosophy of non-attachment has long reigned supreme. Letting go of negative emotions – be it anger, jealously, frustration, or fears – that serve to cloud the best version of ourselves is a potent tool in our paint box of self-creation.
Good Karma
Karma yoga is about engaging in a task without expecting any recognition in return. The idea is to be selfless, and to practice sound morals. The word ‘Karma’ is credited as meaning ‘action’, and Karma yoga teaches that actions should be performed from a place of pure love. Your call to good action in your everyday life could be any random act of kindness, from walking your elderly neighbour’s dog even when it’s raining, to donating to a charity of your choice, or baking a cake for a colleague who’s feeling a little blue.
Yoga classes and private sessions are held at Columbia Beach Resort’s Hebe Spa. For further details or to sign up for a class, kindly contact our spa via email at vilmante@columbiaresort.com or telephone on 25833765.