International Day of Yoga 2024: Library Programs / Resources

Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.

The word ‘yoga’ derives from Sanskrit and means to join or to unite, symbolizing the union of body and consciousness. Today it is practiced widely in various forms around the world and continues to grow in popularity.

Recognizing its universal appeal and to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, the United Nations has proclaimed 21st June as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131.

While yoga is an important source of exercise and healthy movement, it is much more than a physical activity. The practice of yoga brings joy, health, peace from within and deepens a sense of connection between an individual’s inner consciousness and the external world.

In the words of one of its most famous practitioners, the late B. K. S. Iyengar, “Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions.”

The Livingston Public Library has been offering once a month yoga sessions since the fall of 2023.

Led by a certified yoga instructor from a local studio, Niyama Yoga Shala, the sessions follow the Open Flow Vinyasa style. Vinyasa yoga is a physical practice of yoga that focuses on linking yoga poses, or asanas, together with the breath in a smooth and flowing sequence. The sessions incorporate mindful traditional yoga movement in tandem with appropriate breathing techniques (pranayama). The one-hour class also includes inspiring music, dharma discussion, and mindful methods of communication to help spark a mind/body connection in a manner and release stagnant energy.

The dates for Fall 2024 (11am-12pm) are : September 5, October 2, November 13 and December 4. Registration is encouraged and is open for all 4 sessions.

A knowledge of yoga asana is not required, as the instructor will work with all levels of a practitioner. The focus will be on offering a variety of variations to asanas / postures to encourage all levels and abilities to reap the benefits of yoga. Each participant will leave with a renewed sense of balance, self, and joy!

Whether you are an advanced practitioner of yoga, or just know the basic postures, a bevy of resources on yoga are accessible with your Livingston Public Library card, to guide and motivate you in your practice.

Magazines and Ebooks

Several yoga themed magazines and ebooks can be borrowed on EBccls Overdrive.

Online Learning

Yoga 101

https://library.universalclass.com/i/librarycourse/learn-yoga.htm

Books

Abundance : The Inner Path To Wealth by Deepak Chopra

Chair Yoga for Seniors : Stretches and Poses That You Can Do Sitting Down at Home by Lynn Lehmkuhl

Essential Chakra Yoga : Poses to Balance, Heal, and Energize the Body and Mind by Christina D’Arrigo

Healing Through Yoga : Transform Loss Into Empowerment With More Than 75 Yoga Poses and Meditations by Paul Denniston

Restorative Yoga : Relax. Restore. Re-energize by Caren Baginski

The Stories Behind the Poses : the Indian Mythology That Inspired 50 Yoga Postures by Raj Balkaran