National Yoga Month Promotes Awareness Of Yoga's Mental And Physical Benefits

It might seem like a strange phrase to most, but to fans of yoga

, "NaYoMo" is a sweet sound.

NaYoMo, for those who are unfamiliar, is short National Yoga Month which occurs every September and celebrates the practice of yoga, making it a perfect occasion for those interested in yoga to discover the benefits of the practice.

The special month includes participation from yoga practitioners and studios throughout U.S. and Canada. The month-long event features more than 2000 free classes and lectures designed to bring awareness to the mental and physical health benefits of yoga to people who, for some one reason or another, have not had the opportunity to visit a yoga studio and enjoy a lesson.

But those longtime yoga students need not feel there's nothing for them in National Yoga Month. They will find a number of sessions and discussions that address their more advanced needs and level of expertise.

National Yoga Month was the brainchild of Johannes Fisslinger, founder of the nonprofit Yoga Health Foundation based in Los Angeles. Fisslinger created National Yoga Month to inspire people to join the yoga lifestyle and discover the benefits. His efforts caught the attention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services who in 2008 designated National Yoga Month as an official health observance.

In that first year, National Yoga Month began with a "Yoga Health Festival", 10-city yoga tour that started in Denver and ended in October in Vancouver, Canada. On its journey, the National Yoga Month celebration brought yoga and the philosophy of yoga to thousands of people in the form of sessions, music and exhibits.

Over the past few years, National Yoga Month has grown into an event that included the participation of thousands of yoga studios and instructors and tens of thousands of yoga students. In many of the participating cities, yoga studies offer free classes for a day or even a week, which has resulted in thousands of new fans of the practice. Among the other National Yoga Month events planned for 2010 are:

Bhkati Fest in Joshua Tree, California, a four-day festival of lectures, workshops and music.~The four-day Bhkati Fest held in Joshua Tree, California, featuring lectures, music and workshops.}

The Global Mala Yoga For Peace Celebration, featuring sunrise salutations, free yoga workshops, lectures and music held in various cities around the world.

Free on-site yoga sessions at the Lucy nationwide chain of yoga clothing shops.

Evolvefest, which is a four-day yoga festival in Vernon, New Jersey featuring sessions, music and gatherings.

"Energize Tampa Bay", a daylong celebration of wellness and community featuring yoga demonstrations.

The Evanston Yoga Fest in Evanston, Illinois (just north of Chicago) featuring many of the North Shore's top yoga studios and a meditation session for peace, compassion and prosperity.

These are but a few of the many National Yoga Month events and celebrations taking place around the nation and world. Check with your local yoga studio for information on the events taking place all month long in your area. Use National Yoga Month to introduce you to the joy and benefits of yoga that can last your whole life.

National Yoga Month Promotes Awareness Of Yoga's Mental And Physical Benefits

By: Linda Adams

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