Summer Solstice 2020
The summer solstice usually happens around 20th-22nd June each year. Yesterday was the longest day of the year. The sun rises at 4.47am and sets at 21.19. For centuries this day has been marked in the calendar to celebrate the earth being as closer to the sun than at any other time during the year. It used to be a period where farmers would plant and harvest their crops, leaving them time to relax. It is also the point where the earth's axis is closer to the sun than at any other point within the year. From then on the earth spins further away from the sun until we get to Winter Solstice which is on 21st December. This all happens in the Northern hemisphere. It is switched around in the Southern hemisphere as our summer is their winter.
For a lot of people, Stone Henge in Wiltshire marks a significant place. It's where Pagans came together to celebrate the longest day of the year because it is thought that the sun rays shine on the central alter once a year on this day. Stone Henge dates back from 3,000BC to 1,600BC. Thousands of people usually gather here today but because of the covid-19 outbreak it is unfortunately closed.
International Yoga Day was founded only 6 years ago by the United Nations. They wanted a day where once a year there was promotion of global health, harmony and peace. So International Yoga Day was born and what a great idea it is to. Some people choose to do 108 Sun Salutations which welcomes in the summer. Others choose to sit and meditate. Whatever you want you to, just jump on your mat and breathe.
The word 'Yoga' was derived from the sanskrit word 'Yuj' meaning 'To join' or 'To unite'. It also means to bring the mind and body into perfect harmony to and alignment.
People all across the world come together to celebrate International Yoga Day and to be part of an incredible experience. This years theme is 'Yoga At Home' or 'Yoga With Family'. It means that people can follow along at home on their own or with family. There is a video contest named 'My life, My Yoga video blogging contest' where people can post on social media using the hashtag #mylifemyyoga
Have any of you tried yoga? It hard isn't it? If you haven't, then maybe make today the first day of your Yoga journey. Just start wherever you are and breath.
You also may be thinking how can yoga help me. Well by bringing a simple method of yoga and meditation into your everyday life you can help your body to:
-Relieve Stress (This is a big one)
- Improve Breathing
- Ease Pain
- Improve Circulation
- Increase Strength
- Increase Endurance
- Lower your Heart Rate
- Lengthen Muscles
- Increase Flexibility
- Improve Concentration
- Increase Range of Motion
- Enhance Energy
- Detox the Body
- Strengthen the Abdomen
- Burn Fat
- Improve Posture
- Build Immune System
- Improve Balance
So lets all just bring 5 minutes of peace into our lives and relax.
Happy International Yoga Day!
I hope you find this post helpful.
Let me know!
Have a blessed day!
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