The International Day of Yoga has truly become a global phenomenon which united people and transcended cultures and borders whilst promoting overall well-being.
While speaking at The University of the South Pacific (USP) Lautoka Campus-organised International Day of Yoga celebrations on 21 June, local yoga specialist Milika Marshall emphasised that practising yoga did not require an individual to change their religion or ethnicity.
Marshall stressed that along with being a yoga enthusiast, she remains an Itaukei and a proud Catholic.
She revealed that when she started practising Yoga many of her friends questioned whether she had changed her religion.
“Although yoga originated from India, it has nothing to do with religion. It is a universal practice for the wellbeing of mankind,” she shared.
“Yoga is a holistic approach and a journey towards looking after your well-being. Practising it makes you more mindful of what you eat and the type of people you surround yourself with.”
“Yoga is an activity that enhances an individual’s physical and mental well-being and represents the fusion of the human body and the mind. It is a holistic exercise that plays a key role in building strength and resilience.”
Marshall highlighted that the transformative nature of yoga was beyond individual well-being and extended to society as a whole.
USP Lautoka Campus Director, Dr Pramila Devi also stressed that yoga was about one’s lifestyle and if practised regularly, it has a holistic impact on one’s physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Aligning with the theme of this year’s International Yoga Day celebration ‘Yoga for Women Empowerment’ the USP Lautoka Campus hosted the event which was attended by its network of women from different sections of the society.
