[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f your “OM” has been rattled by the daily chore of the “TM,” then International Yoga Day will let you take a deeper-than-usual breath and reload your weary chakras. And trust us, you won’t be alone, as last year’s first-ever Yoga Day saw millions taking to the mat and an event sanctioned by the United Nations with June 21 declared global yoga day.
A driving force behind this initiative is India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a leader who envisions yoga as a discipline for benefit of mankind. As he stated during the inaugural event in Delhi, yoga can contribute to a “tension-free world.” As events span the four corners of the world, Bogotanos also have the chance to bend themselves back into shape on Sunday June 19 with an event that kicks-off at 10:00 a.m in the Parque de los Novios (Calle 63 No.45-10) and sponsored by the mayoralty, the IDRD – Sports and Recreation Secretary – and Indian Embassy in Colombia.
The slogan for this year’s Colombia-wide yoga-fest is “Yoga para la armonía y la paz (Yoga for harmony and peace), given that “this country is at an historic moment,” states Gaurav Kumar of the Indian Embassy. And while you try to stay grounded you can also follow the day’s events in cyberspace with the hashtag #yogaporlapaz. Simultaneous events will also be held in Cartagena (Camara de Comercio Cra 3 No.32-37), Medellín (Orquideorama, Jardín Botánico de Medellín, 9:30 am) Barranquilla (Centro de Convenciones Combarranquilla Calle 76 No.57-61 ay 3:30 pm).
Even though the focus is on mindfulness and meditation, International Yoga Day is also a great excuse to learn about a tradition, which dates back 5,000 years. Even though only one day of the year has been sanctioned by the UN, it’s never too late to know the difference between Kundalini and Vinyasa. But while all schools lead to a healthier and more spiritual life, yoga can be practiced in the privacy of your own home or as will be the case on June 19 with thousands of companions in Parque de los Novios. So whether you are a veteran or novice with a higher cause, participate in International Yoga Day, for we all deserve some peace and good will.
