Yoga extends far beyond exercise. It is a way of life, and while I talk about my love for yoga with fellow yogis at my Tuesday/Thursday class, I have never discussed it with someone a town over, especially not overseas. On June 20, however, all yoga-lovers worldwide had the chance to join yoga guru and humanitarian Sadhguru live from the United Nations in celebration of International Day of Yoga.
Sadhguru, the lead speaker and founder of the Isha Foundation, along with Max Kennedy, author and environmental rights advocate, were invited to the special event “Conversation with Yoga Masters – Yoga for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” The event was geared to enrich the viewers’ collective understanding of the unique features of Yoga and its central place for the achievement of SDGs. Ambassadors from over one hundred countries attended this event. The full event was available to anyone interest on live Webstream.
The following day, Sadhguru did a live interactive video session called “The Only Way Out Is In” on Facebook. In this special video Sadhguru discussed the meaning of yoga and well-being. “The only way to experience true wellbeing is to turn inward,” he said. “This is what yoga means – not up, not out, but in. The only way out is in.” He also answered questions from the live online audience. The Live Webstream and the Facebook Live recordings are available now. Downward dog may be just what modern diplomacy needs.