Every year on June 21st, people around the world celebrate International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice. While these two events may seem unrelated at first glance, they share a common theme of mindfulness, unity, and inner peace. Let’s take a closer look at the significance of these two occasions and how they can be celebrated together.

International Yoga Day was first proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. It was officially recognized by the UN in 2015, and since then, it has been celebrated globally on June 21st each year. The purpose of International Yoga Day is to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga.

Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India over 5,000 years ago. It involves a series of physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation techniques that can help reduce stress, improve flexibility, strength, even bone health, and cultivate inner peace. The practice of yoga encourages us to connect with ourselves, each other, and the world around us.

The Summer Solstice, on the other hand, is an astronomical event that occurs on or around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the longest day of the year and the official start of summer. The Summer Solstice has been celebrated by various cultures around the world for centuries. It symbolizes the warmth, light, and energy of the sun and is associated with growth, abundance, and new beginnings.

Celebrating International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice together can be a powerful way to honor the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. Here are a few ideas for how you can celebrate these two occasions:

• Practice yoga outdoors

Find a quiet space outside and practice yoga asana, or physical postures, under the sun. This can help you connect with nature and feel grounded in your surroundings. You might even try sun salutations, a series of yoga poses that honor the sun and its energy.

• Meditate on the solstice

Take a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect on the significance of the Summer Solstice. What does it mean to you? How can you use this time to set intentions for the coming season? You might even try a guided meditation that focuses on the Summer Solstice and its symbolism.

• Gather and celebrate

Gather with friends or family and create a yoga and solstice celebration. You might start with a yoga practice, followed by a potluck meal or picnic outside. You could even have a bonfire or fire ceremony to symbolize the power of the sun and the energy of transformation. I’ll be spending this day practicing yoga outside, meditating and creating intentions for the season, then meeting up with good friends honoring each other, enjoying the sun and ocean, then dancing the night away by a fire.

No matter how you choose to celebrate International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice, the most important thing is to honor the connection between yourself, others, and the world around you. By cultivating mindfulness, unity, and inner peace, you can help create a better world for everyone.

Upcoming Events and Classes

Gentle Yoga and Sound Healing

Start your holiday weekend with gentle yoga and a healing sound bath!

Saturday, July 1, 3:00-4:30pm

Outdoor Studio in Point Loma

3711 Narragansett Ave. Pt Loma San Diego 92107

Outdoor Setting, Sunscreen Recommended

Bring light scarf or eye pillow over your eyes during savasana and sound healing.

Yoga and Sound Healing end at 4:30pm. Stay for tea, treats and mingling afterward!

Space is Limited. Must Register to Attend. Please bring your own mat.

https://www.aimeeshantilarue.com/offerings/sound-healing-saturday-gentle-yoga-and-sound-bath

Yoga for Healthy Back, Shoulders & Neck

Tuesdays @ 5:30pm Starting July 25th

Thursdays @ 4:00pm Starting July 27th

Saturdays @ 9:00am Starting July 29th

Outdoor Studio in Point Loma

3711 Narragansett Ave. Pt Loma San Diego 92107

Drop Ins Welcome

Discounted Monthly Memberships Welcome

This yoga class is specifically designed to promote a healthy back, shoulders, and neck by incorporating various poses that target those areas. The class begins with a gentle warm-up designed to loosen up the muscles and prepare the body for the practice ahead. Aimee will guide you through a series of standing and seated poses that focus on strengthening and stretching the back, shoulders, and neck muscles with a focus on one of these major areas each class.

The class may also include gentle inversions to release tension, increase circulation and energy levels, and strengthen muscles. In addition to the asana practice, Aimee incorporates pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation, and relaxation techniques to help you connect with your breath and promote overall physical and mental well-being. This practice promotes emotional growth, calming of the mind and spirit, opening the heart, and helping you become more connected with yourself and the earth.

Class is suitable for students of all levels, including those with injuries or health conditions that may affect their back, shoulders, or neck. Aimee will provide modifications and variations to accommodate individual needs and ensure that everyone feels safe and comfortable throughout the class. By the end of the class, students will leave feeling more relaxed, rejuvenated, and with improved posture and mobility.

Drop in classes $20, Discounted Monthly Membership available for unlimited group classes $39/month.

Must register one day prior to attending classes. Please bring your own mat. Outdoor Studio