International Day of Yoga in Brussels
An international day of yoga was declared unanimously by the general assembly of the United Nations in New York in 2015. It is celebrated annually on 21 June to coincide with the summer solstice, which has an important significance for the yoga community as the day is associated with happiness, self-belief and celebrating the fullness of life.
In Brussels a giant yoga session is being held in the Bois de la Cambre today from 10;30 until 17:30, for which participation is free provided that you register in advance. From 1200 onwards there will be many workshops including yoga for men, chair yoga, yoga for kids and laughing yoga.
Yoga is an ancient practice originating from India; it connects body, mind, and spirit promoting better mental and physical health, with the ultimate goal of achieving general wellbeing. There are many different schools of yoga, which teach different styles, and most of these are all well represented in Belgium; Brussels has many independent yoga studios, and yoga classes are also available at the better gyms, like Aspria.
One of the newer studios offering yoga tuition is the Tree of Life in Tervuren, located close to Tervuren Park and the Foret de Soignes. The main focus of the Tree of Life is tuition for a modern style of Hatha Yoga called Anusara Yoga. This is a form of yoga that concentrates on precise body alignment and is founded on the ancient Indian philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism. It celebrates the principle that life is good, and that there is goodness in every creature.
This autumn, the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga is organising its first-ever regional gathering from 9 to 11 November in the Chateau Frandeux in the Belgian Ardennes. Registration is still open but the places are filling up rapidly, as it is drawing international global interest.
