Summer Solstice & International Yoga Day: A Moment to Align with the Light
Each year around June 21, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. This moment is known as the summer solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, it's the longest day of the year. A time when light stretches further, and nature stands in full bloom.
For many cultures, this turning point has long been a moment of reflection, ritual and celebration. A seasonal shift that invites you to look at your own energy, your direction, and your place in the cycle of the year.
Why International Yoga Day is Held on June 21
In 2014, the United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. The date wasn’t a coincidence. The solstice holds deep meaning in yoga’s origins. In India, it is said that the first yogi, Shiva, began sharing the science of yoga with his students on this very day.
Yoga means union. On this day of light and presence, we honour the practice that connects breath, body and awareness. It’s a symbolic invitation to return to clarity.
The Solstice in Yoga Tradition
The sun is often seen as a symbol of life force, of Prana. When we move through sun salutations or practice on this day, we tune into that energy. Practicing on the summer solstice is a way to align with this brightness, both around and within.
Many practitioners around the world honour this day with a longer sequence, like 108 Sun Salutations. But the heart of the practice lies in intention. You can also choose to move gently, sit quietly, or breathe with the sunrise. It’s about rhythm. Repetition as meditation. Moving with intention and letting the practice carry you through.
But there are many ways to honour this time.
Ways to Use This Moment in Your Practice
The solstice invites reflection and intentional movement. You don’t need to do 108 Sun Salutations to feel its effect. Here are some simple ways to mark the day:
Rise with the sun. Step outside early and greet the light. A short breath practice or seated meditation can set the tone.
Journal with intention. What do you want to bring into the second half of the year? What are you ready to release?
Practice solar energy yoga. Flow through energizing poses: think heart openers, backbends, or a heating Vinyasa sequence.
Connect in community. Join a solstice class or celebration. Sharing this moment with others amplifies its power.
Rest and receive. End your day with rest. Let your system integrate the lightness of the season.
A Turning Point in the Year
The solstice marks a clear moment in time. A seasonal shift that brings awareness into focus. A clear sky. A reminder that you're part of something larger. In your practice, and in your life, this is a chance to notice what’s alive.
Join us for our community event to mark the solstice together: Saluting the Sun: A Summer Solstice Gathering