International Yoga Day 2016- Connecting our Collective Energies

Artikrti celebrates Yoga: The second International Yoga Day is just around the corner- June 21st, 2016 will mark the second time cultures from around the world will unite to commemorate Yoga as the way to rejuvenate our body, mind & soul. Collectively yoga practitioners spread over 100 countries will dedicate themselves to the spirit of what yoga stands for- to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness.

To us at Artikrti, there can be no other unifying symbol of the mingling of our different cultures, as this global event that celebrates yoga. With its roots in India from over 5000 years back, yoga embodies and has achieved what Artikrti would like foster- intermingling of cultures; getting the cultures from around the world to experience India and its culture. It is this spirit of connecting cultures that Artikrti's blog would like to seed and nurture.

Here is an interesting video from United Nations on yoga's origins and what it can do for you and me- if you haven't had a chance to know much about yoga, this could well be a starter for you. Even if you are a seasoned practitioner, this is an interesting one which will add some nuggets.

In the words of Mark Twain, "India is the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend & the great grand mother of tradition". Inspired by his words I'd like to say "India is the fountainhead of yoga" and it is indeed fascinating that a practice born 5000 years back in India has been embraced by millions across the globe today. Fascinating. And it is also, in many ways, indicative that we humans are at heart open to all influences- share, experiment, adopt, embrace. We love that. How about you?

[Picture by Benoit Tessler. International Day of Yoga 2015 at the Eiffel Tower, Paris, France]