Yoga for One Earth, One Health

'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' is the theme for the International Yoga Day 2025 which is celebrated every year on 21st June.

Although yoga has become a global phenomenon, many people still perceive it merely as a form of physical exercise, focusing mainly on the practice of postures known as asanas. According to Yoga Basics, "yoga encompasses a holistic approach to life that includes ethics, selfless service, meditation, philosophical inquiry, study of scriptures, and self-realization. It is meant to cultivate a balanced lifestyle rather than just serving as a workout."

Yes, yoga undoubtedly transforms and purifies our bodies, minds and souls as it takes us through a journey of self-awareness, acceptance, compassion, patience, gratitude, forgiveness, humility, love, peace and joy.

Yoga in simple words means 'union of ‘ or 'to unite' or 'to connect' one's mind, body and spirit. While we can talk or read endlessly about its many benefits, the true essence and impact of this beautiful practice can only be experienced through actual practice.

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2025 under the special theme 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health,' Sthitapragya Diaries encourages its readers to adopt simple mindset shifts and practical actions, not just for personal well-being, but also for the health of our planet to truly embody the spirit of this year’s theme.

The word 'Yoga' consists of four letters and let's see how each one of these act as a symbolic pillar not only uniting the mind, body and soul but also conveying a deeper message of oneness, peace, health and harmony within the Earth.

Y	Yearn to serve
O	Optimize time and health
G	Go Green
A	Appreciate others

Yearn to serve

Don’t just yearn for personal enjoyment or satisfaction. Yearn to serve society as well. True happiness arises from selfless service and not from constantly seeking personal pleasure. Serving others doesn't require millions of dollars or grand gestures. Every action you take can be an act of service when done with the intention to contribute to the greater good, using the talents and resources you already have.

Optimize time and health

Focus on continuously optimizing your time and health along with other resources. These are two elements of one's life that cannot be regained once lost. A truly resourceful and efficient person is one who not only masters the art of managing these wisely but also helps others recognize and apply this success formula.

Go Green

Reducing water wastage, limiting plastic use, or choosing a bicycle over a car for short distances are all valuable steps, but they’re just the beginning. 'Go Green' is a mindset, not a one-time effort. It’s a conscious, daily commitment that reflects our care for the Earth and responsibility towards future generations. We encourage you to stay mindful of your actions and actively train your mindset to take more green initiatives, every single day. This will improve the overall health of our planet.

Appreciation

Appreciation is a simple yet powerful way to uplift the mind, body, and soul for yourself as well as for others. Take the time to appreciate, compliment, and support those around you through your words, behavior, and actions. By recognizing the efforts and qualities of others, you contribute to a much-needed positive shift in the society. While practicing asanas helps reduce your own stress, genuine appreciation has the power to ease stress at a collective level for the community, the nation, and ultimately, our planet.

In these times of uncertainty and chaos, when everyone is being challenged and overburdened with multiple responsibilities, let's not get caught in a race of simply completing tasks one after another. It is also not possible for us to pause completely. Therefore, let's consciously unite or connect our mind, body and soul to make the most of our human existence. By doing so, we contribute not only to our wellbeing but also to the health of our precious planet 'Earth', and everyone on it, thereby truly embodying the spirit of the 2025 theme 'Yoga for One Earth One Health'.