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Yoga for Social Wellbeing: Strengthening Communities through Unity and Compassion - Yogavani from Indian Yoga Association

Practice of the Month

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Celebrating World Meditation Day with the Indian Yoga Association 

On World Meditation Day, the Associate Centres and Member Institutes of the Indian Yoga Association came together to honour the profound practice of meditation. Across various locations, our community gathered to reflect, connect, and deepen their meditation journeys, fostering a sense of unity and inner…

Celebrating 6 Years of Excellence:Indian Yoga Association Gujarat Chapter Foundation Day 

The Indian Yoga Association, Gujarat Chapter, virtually celebrated its 6th Foundation Day on 29th December with the theme Yoga for Lifestyle Management. The program began with a prayer, followed by Mauli Baviskar introducing all dignitaries. The event emphasized yoga’s role in promoting holistic well-being, inspiring…

Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine hosts transformative sessions 

In December, Geetham Institute of Alternative Medicine, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association hosted a series of transformative sessions centered on Varma therapy, which plays a significant role in enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health. The month-long series was conducted by experienced practitioners, each focusing…

Indian ancient Siddhars and the science of longevity: A remarkable discovery byAttangaogam Peedam 

Recent research, supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), sheds light on the ancient practice of Attangaogam, Associate Centre of Indian Yoga Association, and its impact on longevity. The study, titled “Effect of Yoga-Pranayamam on Telomere Length in Medical Students,” revealed ground breaking…

Tamil Nadu SCC meets to discuss way forward 

The Tamil Nadu State Chapter Committee meeting was held in World Community Service Centre, Chennai on December 28, 2024, at 10:30am. The meeting commenced with a prayer and meditation session, creating a serene atmosphere for the discussions that followed. Shri Rajeshwari Prabhakaran, Senior Vice-Chairman of…

Enriching programs at Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad 

Throughout December, the Sri Aurobindo Society, Hyderabad, hosted a series of insightful talks and satsangs, focusing on various elements of yoga and spiritual growth. The month began with Elements of Yoga 1 by Smt. Suneetha Sekhar on 1st December, followed by Smt. Harshitha’s session on…

Vedic Kaya Sadhana celebrates convocation ceremony 

The Vedic Kaya Sadhana, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, recently held its convocation ceremony, marking a significant milestone for its graduating students. The event celebrated the culmination of rigorous training and dedication, with graduates receiving certifications that recognize their comprehensive understanding and expertise…

SSIYRC Students Set World Record inArdha Matsyendrasana 

In a remarkable achievement, 105 students from the Sri Shankari Institute of Yoga and Research Center, Gummudipoondi (SSIYRC), Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, sustained the Ardha Matsyendrasana pose for an impressive 10 minutes, earning them a place in the Worldwide Book of Records….

Sree Bala Yoga Studio reflects on a year of remarkable achievements in 2024 

Sree Bala Yoga Studio, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association, celebrated a year of significant milestones in 2024, underscoring its commitment to yoga education and community wellness. The studio conducted two sessions of its 200-hour Certificate Course in Yoga and a 500-hour Advanced Certificate…

Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center launches in Coimbatore 

The Ananda Chaitanya Meditation Center in Kurumbapalayam, Coimbatore, Associate Centre of the Indian Yoga Association was inaugurated with grandeur on December 20, 2024. The event began with the traditional lighting of the kuthuvilakku by renowned writer Jeyamohan, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the illumination…



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05 Feb 2025

Yogavani

Yoga for Social Wellbeing:  Strengthening Communities through Unity and Compassion
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Articles

Yoga for Social Wellbeing: Strengthening Communities through Unity and Compassion 

Smt Meetal Koticha Shah,
Joint Executive Trustee & CEO, Project ‘Life’

Yoga, a divine gift from ancient wisdom, has transcended across centuries to become a global phenomenon, respected for its innumerable physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.

Yoga wields the power to extend its positive influence to society at large besides nurturing wellness of a practitioner, fostering unity, compassion, and positive social change. It is fascinating to explore how yoga contributes to social wellbeing, promoting healthier and more harmonious communities.

Unity in Diversity
Yoga, at its core, encourages the concept of oneness – the understanding that we are all interconnected and part of a larger whole, an ideology that is crucial for social wellbeing, as it encourages empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others. The interconnectedness, motivates support and empathy among people and communities, leading to a collective sense of purpose.

Stress Reduction
In the hustle and bustle of modern lifestyle, stress has become a predominant concern affecting everyone at multiple levels. Yoga is an effective therapy for stress reduction, a pragmatic pathway to manage anxiety and restore inner balance. With reduced individual stress levels, the inclusive social environment becomes calmer and more conducive to positive interaction.

Mindful Communication
Effective communication is the key to healthy relationships and building thriving communities. Yoga cultivates mindfulness and a progression to be in present and attentive in interactions. Mindful communication enhances understanding, empathy, and the ability to listen attentively & actively; all crucially vital for building a strong, respectful, and harmonious social connection.

Community Yoga
Community yoga events can be a potent approach to promote social wellbeing. Open-air yoga sessions in parks, community centers and public spaces create a sense of togetherness, bringing people from diverse backgrounds and different age groups together. These events encourage dialogue, break barriers, and foster a shared sense of purpose among participants.

Social Outreach
Yoga can be deployed as a means for social outreach and community service. Yoga studios and practitioners can organize classes and workshops to support social causes, raising support and awareness for various collective issues, dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, environmental conservation and supporting marginalized communities.

Empowering Vulnerable Communities
In underserved or vulnerable communities, yoga can inculcate empowerment and healing. Initiating Yoga in schools, community centers, or correctional facilities, lead to physical and mental health benefits for people facing challanges. Yoga empowers communities by encouraging self-care, stress management, and self-awareness.

Conflict Resolution
Yoga cultivates a sense of inner peace and emotional balance which are quintessential for conflict resolution within communities. Developing calmer and compassionate state of mind through Yoga generates capability to address conflicts with understanding and empathy, nurturing a culture of cooperation and compromise.

Yoga for Social Wellbeing is a powerful concept that goes beyond individual practice to create positive waves in society. Imparting the values of unity, compassion, and interconnectedness, Yoga strengthens communities, promotes social harmony, and addresses social challenges.

As people and communities come together to practise yoga, they create a shared space for growth, healing, and positive transformation. It is through these collective efforts that Yoga becomes a catalyst for social change, nurturing a world where unity, empathy, and wellbeing thrive hand in hand.

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