Our Black and Minority Ethnic employee network recently shared the following information with members about the history and benefits of yoga which is practiced in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity due to its health and wellbeing benefits.
Recognizing its universal appeal, in December 2014 the United Nations declared 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, aiming to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga.
The World Health Organization has also encouraged its member states to help their citizens reduce physical inactivity, which is among the top ten leading causes of death worldwide, and a key risk factor for non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes.
But yoga is more than a physical activity. In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”
This year for the 9th International Day of Yoga many cities in the UK celebrated various events focusing on the theme of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’.
Locally, a significant celebration this year happened in the Wollaton Hall, Nottingham. Over 1000 people from different communities came together to participate in the yoga practice and celebrations, followed by cultural dancing, singing and food stalls all catered for the visitors.
Yoga classes
As an employee, you can access free yoga classes via Joined Up Care Derbyshire’s Wellbeing programme.
Select the ‘mind and body’ section to search available classes.
Paid-for yoga classes are also available through the Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service. Use the ‘book now’ link and search to find courses near you.