International Yoga Day, Solstice 2026
The definition of yoga is “yoke”, union; to unite.
Yoga brings unity within oneself when we look within. Unity with oneself is aligning the mind, body, and spirit. There is no separation.
Separation occurs when we are not present, when our awareness wanders, and when we allow the mind to lead our lives. Separation makes us feel unhappy, unsafe, and uneasy. It makes us feel that we are alone. The sensation of separation comes from the mind and not from the heart. When we practice yoga, our lives become in order and more aligned with the divine.
Yoga unites us with others, nature, and the universe. Yoga makes us realize that we are not separated and reinforces that we are all one, everything is connected.
Our practice on the mat allows us to unite with our breath. As we move from pose to pose, we unite our physical body to our eternal bodies. When we focus, we unite with the energy of those around us, and we can extend the spirit of unity to everyone on the planet and to the universe.
The practice of yoga teaches us that there is a force greater than us. This is when we bow down to that which is greater than us— Ishwarpranidhana.
The God energy that unites us.
Our spirit longs for, the ultimate unity with our Higher Self, with God. When we live in unity, we dwell in the loving energy of the divine. We learn that separation is an illusion and the more we practice, the more united we become with all. We can take this awareness to our daily lives and share it with everyone that we meet.
Sandra De Sousa
De Sousa has been an executive member of Adeusa NY for decades. She is an instructor of the Essential Living Desoto Method course and a certified rebirther. A Yoga Alliance-certified yoga teacher (RYT 200 and RYT 500), she teaches a variety of yoga styles and leads workshops focused on personal growth and well-being. She is also a certified instructor in mindfulness and meditation.
