As September has now bestowed us with its warm and splendid presence, a wave of mind/body awareness, mindfulness and well-being sweeps across the nation and beyond bringing with it the celebration of National Yoga Awareness Month.
This special month, which is dedicated to the practice of yoga, is a powerful reminder of the benefits that this ancient tradition offers to our modern lifestyle.
I am particularly excited this month, as I am also celebrating Salubrity and Soul Yoga’s second anniversary.
The Origins of National Yoga Awareness Month
Created in 2008, by the Department of Health and Human Services, National Yoga Awareness Month is intended to promote the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. Recognized during the month of September, this month serves as an opportunity for people across the country to explore yoga for the first time or deepen their existing practice.
The initiative was developed with the intention of inspiring healthy lifestyles, reducing stress, and providing a holistic approach to wellness. Given the increasing prevalence of lifestyle related diseases, chronic stress and anxiety, National Yoga Awareness Month has become more relevant than ever.
The Importance of Yoga in Today’s World
Yoga is a comprehensive system for well-being that integrates the mind, body and spirit, although most commonly viewed as just a series of physical postures.
As our lives become more fast-paced and technology driven, the importance of yoga in maintaining balance cannot be overstated; nor can the revelation that yoga, when practiced authentically, is so much more than perfect bodies, yoga poses, yoga mats and yoga pants.
With regard to mental health, one of the most significant impacts of yoga is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. In a world where mental health challenges are on the rise, yoga offers a natural and easily accessible way to manage stress and improve overall mental well-being. Breathwork such as pranayama in addition to meditation and mindful movement can all help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
With regard to physical health and wellness, yoga is well-known for increasing flexibility, strength and balance. But beyond those things, yoga has also been associated with improving cardiovascular health, aiding weight management and enhancing respiratory function. Being that yoga is a gentle, low-impact form of physical movement that is available to people of all ages and abilities, makes it an accessible and sustainable offering for people from all kinds of backgrounds to stay healthy and active.
With regard to spiritual health, yoga provides an opportunity to connect with oneself on a deeper level, foster self-awareness and inner peace. Whether through meditation, mindfulness, chanting, mudras or chakras, yoga has allowed practitioners to cultivate a sense of purpose and connection to their spiritual side or to something greater than themselves.
With regard to community, yoga has been a beacon of sorts for many, by bringing people together. Regardless of whether a yoga class is practiced in person in a yoga studio, or virtually through an online yoga class, yoga fosters a sense of connection within a group and a sense of belonging. It encourages inclusivity, compassion and has created a plethora of yoga spaces across the globe where yoga enthusiasts and those new to yoga can come together and practice together in pursuit of health and gratitude and happiness.
Salubrity and Soul Yoga: Two Years of Transformation
As a new yoga teacher, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of yoga over the past two years through my own consistent personal yoga practice by patiently and finally perfecting those challenging yoga poses that I have been working on for days, months or years even, or when completing continuing education classes that called for my extreme dedication to finish by a specific deadline, and the increased inner peace and emotional resilience that I now have.
I have also personally witnessed the growth of my students as they became more familiar with yoga asana, yoga philosophy, breathwork and meditation. As well as the strength and beauty of community, such as this SSY community – even though in its infancy and small.
As I celebrate my second anniversary of being a yoga teacher, I reflect on the journey that has brought me here thus far, and the lovely heart centered community that we continue building along the way each day.
My mission as a yoga teacher has always been to help ensure that yoga maintains its ability to remain accessible to everyone. I believe that yoga is something special and should be shared, and I am committed to helping light the way, along with so many other yoga teachers, for those who want to experience the benefits of this practice.
How We Have Grown
Over the past two years, I have expanded my offerings to include a variety of classes that cater to different needs and preferences. From Hatha and Vinyasa Slow-Flow to Restorative and Chair Yoga, I provide options for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. I also recently introduced specialized classes for those aged 50 and up, recognizing the unique needs of this age group and the immense benefits that yoga can offer in maintaining mobility, strength and balance.
My commitment to accessibility has also led me to offer online classes, ensuring that our community can continue their practice from the comfort of their homes. This flexibility will allow me to reach a broader audience, connecting with those who may not have been able to attend my in-person classes due to geographical or physical limitations. I will share more information on those online classes in coming weeks.
Celebrating Community
As we celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month, we also celebrate you and us as a whole – our vibrant community at Salubrity and Soul Yoga. You are the heart and soul of our yoga space and it has been a privilege to witness your growth and transformation through yoga. From the new students who sign up for my classes to those who have been with me since the beginning, each person contributes to the positive supportive environment that makes our yoga space special.
In honor of Salubrity and Soul Yoga’s second anniversary, I am offering a discount on classes. These discounts will be redeemable throughout the month of September until December 31, 2024. To learn more about this exclusive offer you will need to sign up to receive my monthly newsletter – just one more way to celebrate the practice of yoga and the connections that we have built.
The Power of Awareness
National Yoga Awareness Month is not just about promoting yoga; it is about raising awareness of the profound impact that yoga can have on our lives. It is a time to reflect on how yoga has helped us navigate the challenges of modern life, from managing stress and anxiety to fostering physical health and spiritual growth.
As a yoga teacher, I am proud to be a part of this movement. By raising awareness of the benefits of yoga, we can inspire more people to explore this practice and experience its transformative effects.
Join Us in Celebration
As we celebrate National Yoga Awareness Month and my second anniversary, I invite you to join me in this journey of self-discovery, wellness and well-being. There is something for everyone at Salubrity and Soul Yoga.
This September, take a moment out of any day to reconnect with yourself, explore new practices, and deepen your understanding of yoga. Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the power of yoga and the positive impact that it has on our lives.
I hold deep gratitude for you being a part of my journey. Here’s to many more years of growth, learning and transformation through yoga!
Salubrity + Soul Yoga 