gayatrissingh What Is Yoga, Really?
When most people hear the word Yoga, they picture someone doing a headstand or bending into a complex pose. But in its truest sense, Yoga is not just about movement—it’s about union. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word Yuj, which means to join or unite. It symbolizes the union of body, mind, and spirit—a harmony that we’re all seeking in today’s fast-paced world.
Yoga is a way of life, a path to awareness, stillness, and inner peace.
The Birth of International Yoga Day
In December 2014, the United Nations proclaimed June 21st as International Day of Yoga, following a proposal by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During his speech at the UN, he beautifully expressed that:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action.”
Why June 21?
It marks the summer solstice—the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It holds great significance in yogic tradition as it’s considered a time when spiritual energy is at its peak. In fact, it is believed that over 15,000 years ago, this was the day when Lord Shiva, regarded as the first yogi or Adiyogi, began imparting the knowledge of yoga to his disciples.
Yoga in the Corporate World: A Rising Movement
In recent years, corporate workplaces have begun embracing yoga not just as a wellness initiative but as a culture of mindful living. Every year, more and more organizations celebrate International Yoga Day with:
- Employee wellness yoga sessions
- Mindfulness and breathwork workshops
- Guided meditations and sound baths
Why? Because stressed-out employees are not productive employees. Companies are recognizing that investing in well-being is no longer optional, it’s essential.
From startups to Fortune 500s, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing workplaces transform into more compassionate, calm, and focused spaces, all because they chose to bring Yoga into the workday.
How the Pandemic Shifted Our Practice
The pandemic pushed us into isolation but brought us closer to ourselves. As the world paused, many turned to yoga and meditation for solace. What was once seen as a physical workout became a lifeline for mental and emotional well-being.
During lockdowns, I began hosting virtual Yin Yoga and Sound Meditation sessions for teams and individuals across the country. Surprisingly, the distance didn’t dilute the experience, in fact, it made it more accessible. People joined in from their living rooms, in pajamas, with families or pets beside them, simply breathing and being.
Yoga evolved, adapted, and deepened during those months. And we all saw how just 15 minutes of mindful movement or breathwork could shift the tone of the entire day.
Why Even a Few Minutes of Yoga Matter
The beauty of Yoga lies in its simplicity.
You don’t need an hour.
You don’t need to be flexible.
You just need to show up.
Some benefits of even short daily practice include:
- Calmer mind and reduced anxiety
- Better posture and spinal health
- Improved breathing and lung capacity
- Greater focus and energy
- Stronger immunity
- Emotional balance
Whether it’s a quick sun salutation, a few minutes of alternate nostril breathing, or lying in Savasana with intention, the ripple effects on your body and mind are profound.
My Personal Yoga Favorites
Over the years, I’ve been deeply influenced by global yoga teachers and philosophies that go beyond the mat. Two of my personal favorites:
- Radhika from Sattvic Movement – a beautiful, Indian-rooted approach focusing on gentle movement, mindful breath, and inner clarity.
- Travis Eliot – whose power yoga and Yin yoga teachings combine strength with serenity.
And then there’s Yin Yoga, a practice I hold close to my heart and am certified in. It is what I now offer extensively, especially to corporate teams and wellness retreats—often infused with the healing power of sound.
So, What Is Yin Yoga?
Yin Yoga is a slow, meditative style of yoga where postures are held for 3–5 minutes, targeting the deep connective tissues—fascia, ligaments, and joints. Unlike more dynamic practices, Yin invites stillness, surrender, and silence.
It’s an invitation to:
- Release chronic tension
- Cultivate patience and presence
- Deepen into layers of emotional and energetic healing
When I combine Yin Yoga with Sound Healing—using Tibetan singing bowls, chimes, and ocean drums—the experience becomes even more immersive. Participants often share how it feels like a deep emotional reset or a journey inward.
Yoga = Union = Balance
The essence of yoga is not about perfect poses. It’s about being perfectly present.
In a world that glorifies hustle and “doing,” Yoga teaches us to pause, to be. It reminds us that true well-being lies in balance—not burnout. It’s about harmony, not hierarchy. It’s about tuning in, not checking out.
Yoga, whether practiced through stillness, sound, breath, or movement, is a sacred journey home—to your body, your truth, your center.
This International Yoga Day: An Invitation
As June 21 approaches, I invite you and your teams to explore the many expressions of Yoga.
Let it be a celebration not just of movement—but of mindfulness.
Not just of tradition—but of transformation.
If you’re looking to offer something soulful to your teams this year, here’s how I can support:
- Yin Yoga + Sound Bath sessions (virtual or in-person)
- Mindful Movement or Breathwork workshops
- Gratitude Circles & Guided Meditations
- Custom Sound Meditation Experiences to end the workday with calm
Yoga Day is more than an event.
It’s a reminder—to reconnect, realign, and return to wholeness.
Let’s co-create a celebration that brings balance to your team, one breath at a time.
Gayatri Singh
www.GayatriSingh.com
