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NORTH AmERIcAN Newsline JULY 02, 2021 | The Indian Eye 22

WOrlD yOGA DAy CElEBrATED

AT BAPs TEMPlE IN lOs ANGElEs

Our Bureau macist, was present for the
event. “Beyond the spiritual
Los Angeles
benefits I find from doing yoga,
o commemorate the Unit- there are immense health ben-
ed Nations observed Inter- efits. Especially at a time where
Tnational Day of Yoga and mental health is key, yoga has
good health, people gathered at been the best resource for my
the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan family and me.”
Mandir in Los Angeles, CA to Beyond its immediate im-
practice Yoga together while pact on physical health, the
adhering to local, state and fed- COVID-19 pandemic has also
eral COVID-19 regulations. exacerbated psychological suf-
Guided and modeled by in- fering and mental health chal-
structors, over 60 participants lenges, including depression and
practiced various poses such as anxiety, as pandemic-related
Bhujangasana and Marjariasa- restrictions continue in various
na and breathing techniques forms in many countries. This
like Kapalabhati Pranayam and has highlighted the urgent need
Bhastrika Pranayama amidst to address the mental health di-
the Mandir’s peaceful ambience mension of the pandemic and
and breathtaking architecture. the physical health aspects.
The message of yoga in pro-
recognizing the import- moting humanity’s physical and

ant role of yoga, this mental well-being has never
been more relevant. A growing
year’s commemoration of trend of people worldwide em-
the International Day of bracing yoga to stay healthy and
rejuvenated and to fight social
yoga focuses on “yoga isolation and depression has

for well-being” - how the been witnessed during the pan-
demic.
practice of yoga can pro- Seva Patel, a local nurse and in an authentic form of yoga in those lost due to the COVID-19

mote the holistic health of essential worker shared her ex- such a spiritual place is just what pandemic, their grieving fam-
ily and friends, and the coun-
perience. “After moving to the I needed.”
every individual. United States, I finally realized The session concluded with tries and communities still fac-
how mainstream yoga is here. the participants joining togeth- ing high rates of infections and
Mayur Yadav, a local phar- The fact that I got to participate er to offer special prayers for all deaths throughout the world.

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