There’s a lot to celebrate today. It’s the longest day of the year, it’s Father’s Day, and it’s the inaugural International Day of Yoga.
Recognized by the United Nations, the International Day of Yoga was inspired by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who addressed the U.N. General Assembly last fall:
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition. It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature.”
We couldn’t agree more. Here are 21 inspiring Instagram asanas we curated from from around the globe, to mark this special day.
1. Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
In Malaysia, yoga rebel @tarastiles had some fun in Tree Pose with her new friend @ernamalia.
3. Plank Pose (Phalakasana)
Renowned yoga photographer @robertsturman shot this portrait of Jacob Parit Noomek of the Maasai tribe, at the Foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Kenya as part of the Africa Yoga Project.
4. Scale Pose (Tolasana)
In Atlanta, Ga., this month’s Yoga Journal cover model @chelsealovesyogademonstrated her strength in Scale Pose with a smile.
5. Handstand (Adho Mukha Vrksasana) Variation
NYC yoga icon @danatrixieflynn is the epitome of Brooklyn hip; making this funky one-handed handstand variation look easy.
6. Headstand (Sirsasana) With Split Legs
¡Vamos a la playa! Mexico yoga retreat leader @fitqueenirene made stand-up paddleboard yoga look pretty enticing with this awesome headstand.
7. Firefly Pose (Tittibhasana)
Everyone’s favorite body positive role model @kathrynbudig showed us her Tittibhasana in the always eclectic New Orleans, La.
8. Headstand (Sirsasana) Variations
Two heads are better than one in Joshua Tree, with Briohny & Dice Iida-Klein of @bryceyoga.
9. Extended Hand-To-Big-Toe-Pose (Utthita Hasta Padangustasana)
Lauren Imparato of @iamyoustudio in Midtown, NYC, where she taught yoga during Athleta’s annual “Mind Over Madness” Times Square Solstice, today.
10. Crescent Lunge (Alanasana) Variation
Somewhere in West Texas … yoga rocker @sadienardini looked fierce in a unique interpretation of Crescent Lunge, with her “paws up.”
11. Flying Baddha Konasana + Seated Meditation
In New Jersey, @TwoFitMoms founder @laurasykora leaped for joy overtop of her daughter on Mother’s Day, with this rather illusionist yoga-inspired move.
12. Dancer’s Pose (Natarajasana)
Looking over the edge of the Grand Canyon, @gypsetgoddess posed in this Lord of the Dance variation for her first ever Instagram photo — an impressive 159 weeks ago.
13. Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana)
Primal yogi @lizarch got a lesson in Upward Dog from her “Sea Lion Guru” in the gorgeous Galapagos Islands.
14. Bound Head-To-Knee-Pose (Baddha Janu Sirsasana)
Nature lover @theyogimatt reminded us in the power of escaping from the hustle and bustle of the big city, and reconnecting to Mother Earth.
15. Compass Pose (Parivrtta Surya Yantrasana) Variation
Colombian-born @yuladi in Far Hills, New Jersey, in a full split-leg variation of Compass Pose. The cancer survivor never ceases to inspire with her dedication, beauty and resilience.
16. King Pigeon Pose (Kapotasana)
The Haitian artist @amamakeda in a full expression of King Pigeon Pose in Vagamon; near the border of the Idukki district of Kerala, India.
17. One-Handed Peacock (Mayurasana) Variation
“Flying through outer space,” as he puts it, yogi and globetrotter @patrickbeach tested his ability to float on sand.
18. Wheel Pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana)
Before the devastating quake in Nepal, @yogaconinma had traveled to the Himalayas for a beautiful change in perspective.
19. Eye-Of-The-Needle Pose (Sucirandhrasana)
Surf’s always up in the land of OZ, where @yogaone1 did a few essential stretches before riding the waves in Yallingup, Western Australia.
20. Upward Bow (Urdhva Dhanurasana) With Leg Lift
Always picture-perfect, Bermuda local and Swedish native @yoga_girldemonstrated the wonders of going barefoot.
21. AcroYoga Meets Parkour
In Dalaman, Turkey, California AcroYoga crew @yogabeyond performed a round of “Sunset Shennanigans,” showing us of the infinite possibilities of yoga — a warm reminder that we should never take our practice too seriously.
Cover Photo: Robert Sturman Studio
Additional research by Emi Boscamp, mbg editorial
Caroline Shola Arewa
Award winning Coach, Speaker and Author. Shola supports people to get their Energy back and Life on track! Shola is the Founder/Director of the popular Energy 4 Life Wellness Coach Training and has appeared on radio and TV worldwide. To find out more about, Shola’s books, Coaching and training programmes, and to receive a Free 7-day Email-course on Creating Ease and Excellence in your life and work visit: energy4lifecoach.com and sign up.
Yoga Teacher, Psychologist, Author and Trainer of Wellness Coaches.
For more on Energy, Mythology and the Heart see Opening to Spirit
