If you my a regular reader, you may have noticed a slight shift of my blog posts - adding stuff about yoga. Of course my blog will forever be talking about travel but this was more of a personal decision to a life of wellness and healthy living. I've been joining few yoga free classes in the metro on my free time actually so it was really a great news when I learned about the celebration of the 2nd International Day of Yoga 2016 in Manila. Held last June 18th, I was really having second thoughts to attend because there were two other events I am looking forward to attend that same day: Fete dela Musique festival in Greenbelt and a Spanish brush - up class in Acceler8 coworking space. It was just a matter of giving myself a break from the daily stress of my life that pushed me to solely spend my time here.
To anyone who isn't aware of this celebration, June 21st is the day that United Nations chose as the International Day of Yoga (IDY) in December 2014. Two of the reasons cited are it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere that shares special significance in many parts of the world and it is also the Summer Solstice which marks the southward movement of the sun. Here in Manila, it was decided 3 days earlier on a weekend to allow more people to participate. There were hundreds of people joined mostly from the local ndian community. I actually saw a few faces of Indians who were also present during the Holi Festival of Colors Manila held few months ago.
Yoga is a 5,000 year tradition, an invaluable gift from India. It's more than exercise, people including me sees it as just a plain workout but only recently when I got into it I've learned so much. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action harmony between man & nature, a holistic approach to health & well - being and most of all a sense of oneness with yourself, the world and nature.
The first part was really a great warm - up: teaching basic yoga poses by Mr. Chandru Mehtani. I really regret not filming the whole thing so I can do exactly the ones taught to us at home. There was an Indian song played by a band. We were taught some basic breathing and meditation by Art of Living Philippines. Next one was from Urban Ashram Manila, I was a bit able to keep up because once I've joined their free classes last May doing the same set of yoga style.
Last was a demonstration from Iyengar Yoga Center. I have to say this was the part that is the hardest for beginners like me to learn in an instance. Body flexibility is required and definitely this is the class to regular yogis. To cap off the night, the Vinyasa music performance from Urban Ashram Manila set everyone in a party mode. After 20 minutes, young people and Indian nationals began to dance. Me who doesn't speak and understand Indian language was just in the corner trying to enjoy every beat of it.
Last was a demonstration from Iyengar Yoga Center. I have to say this was the part that is the hardest for beginners like me to learn in an instance. Body flexibility is required and definitely this is the class to regular yogis. To cap off the night, the Vinyasa music performance from Urban Ashram Manila set everyone in a party mode. After 20 minutes, young people and Indian nationals began to dance. Me who doesn't speak and understand Indian language was just in the corner trying to enjoy every beat of it.
Two more worth - mentioning that day was first, the giving away of free sample of raw vegan energy balls made of cereal and peanut butter which is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, egg free and sugar free from V Kitchen. Love it to the moon and back! I'm buying more of that soon promise. Second, was a quick chitchat with two Indian Sinyasis (monks) who are both wearing bright - colored robe called livas. I didn't got their names especially the one who showed me a basic yoga pose and doing meditation. They belong to a group called Amanda Marga in Quezon City and are yoga teachers themselves.
I hope that the next Philippine International Yoga would be a whole day because the half - day for me made me wanting for more. Thanks Embassy of India and Asia Society Philippines for another event worth joining :)
I hope that the next Philippine International Yoga would be a whole day because the half - day for me made me wanting for more. Thanks Embassy of India and Asia Society Philippines for another event worth joining :)
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