International Yoga Day: Celebrating Unity, Health, and Spiritual Wellness

Yoga, an ancient practice originating from the mystical land of India, has garnered global recognition and appreciation in recent times. On June 21st every year, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate International Yoga Day, commemorating the invaluable contributions of this ancient discipline to humanity. This special day serves as a reminder of the profound significance of yoga, its roots in ancient India and Hinduism, the role of Lord Shiva as the original yogi, and the ongoing relevance of this practice in modern times.

The origin of yoga can be traced back thousands of years to the Indus Valley Civilization, where archaeological excavations have unearthed artifacts depicting yogic poses. However, it was in ancient India that yoga flourished and evolved into a comprehensive system for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The foundational texts of yoga, such as the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the Bhagavad Gita, were written around 2,000 years ago, providing guidance on the practice and philosophy of yoga.

In Hinduism, yoga is deeply intertwined with spirituality and is considered a means to attain union with the divine. Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, is revered as the original yogi and the Adi Guru (the first teacher of yoga). According to ancient scriptures, Lord Shiva is said to have imparted the knowledge of yoga to his consort Parvati and the Saptarishis (seven sages) in the Himalayas. Lord Shiva’s association with yoga highlights the profound spiritual connection of this practice and its integration into Hindu philosophy.

Fast forward to the present day, and yoga has transcended its origins to become a global phenomenon. Its immense popularity can be attributed to the profound benefits it offers to practitioners. Yoga encompasses a holistic approach to well-being, combining physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles. This comprehensive system cultivates balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance in the physical body while promoting mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth.

In modern times, where stress, sedentary lifestyles, and mental health issues have become prevalent, yoga provides a sanctuary for individuals seeking solace and balance. The practice of yoga offers a respite from the hectic pace of life, allowing individuals to reconnect with their inner selves, find inner peace, and enhance their overall well-being. Regular practice of yoga has been shown to reduce stress, improve flexibility and strength, boost cardiovascular health, promote mindfulness, and enhance mental focus.

Furthermore, yoga is a unifying force that transcends cultural, religious, and geographical boundaries. International Yoga Day serves as a reminder of the shared values and aspirations that bind humanity together. It promotes unity, harmony, and inclusivity, encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to come together and celebrate the universal principles of peace, compassion, and well-being.

In conclusion, International Yoga Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ancient roots of yoga in India and Hinduism, its deep connection with Lord Shiva as the original yogi, and its continued relevance in modern times. Yoga offers a transformative journey of self-discovery, fostering physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. By embracing the practice of yoga, individuals can find harmony within themselves and contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world. So, on this International Yoga Day, let us come together to celebrate the invaluable gift of yoga and embark on a journey of wellness, unity, and self-realization.

We recently organised a photoshoot titled ‘Garden of Elegance’ in collaboration with She magazine (https://www.shemagazine.com.au) for Silk Roots Boutique.

Silk Roots Boutique is a treasure trove of style, where every piece has been carefully chosen to exude charm, grace, and allure. Feel free to check them out on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/silk_roots__boutique.

Step into a world of classic elegance with their black and white polka dot dress as seen on Cristina Casanovi (www.instagram.com/cristinacasanovi). This stunning piece combines the timeless appeal of polka dots with a modern silhouette, creating a truly remarkable ensemble.

Indulge your romantic side with their enchanting pink lacy top paired with a cute white skirt as seen on Tiya Gorain. This delicate ensemble is a symphony of grace and elegance.

Prepare to turn heads and make a bold statement with their sensational hot pink dress as seen on Cristina Casanovi. This vibrant and captivating piece is designed to command attention and radiate confidence.

Their floral dupatta as seen on Emma Mees (www.Instagram.com/emma__mees) is a captivating accessory that complements any style.

Outfits & Styling:

Silk Roots Boutique

Photography:

Emma Mees Photography (www.instagram.com/emma__mees)

Silk Roots Boutique

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and a cool breeze fills the air, we know that autumn has arrived. This magical season not only brings a change in the weather but also offers valuable life lessons. It teaches us the beauty of letting go, the power of perseverance, and the hope for a new beginning, much like the cycle of seasons itself. And what better way to celebrate the spirit of autumn than by exploring the fabulous fashion it brings?

Autumn fashion allows us to express our creativity while keeping us cozy and stylish. As we transition from the light fabrics of summer, we welcome the opportunity to layer our outfits with warm and fashionable pieces. Let’s delve into some autumn wardrobe essentials and the significance they carry, reflecting the lessons autumn imparts.

🍂 Leather Jackets: Like the protective layer of fallen leaves that cover the ground, a leather jacket adds a touch of edginess and protection to our autumn attire. Just as autumn reminds us to shed the old and prepare for new beginnings, a leather jacket symbolizes strength and resilience. It encourages us to face challenges head-on, knowing we have the power to endure.

🍁 Scarves: As the air becomes crisper, scarves become our trusty companions, offering warmth and style. Much like the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, scarves bring a pop of color and personality to our outfits. They remind us that change can be beautiful and that embracing diversity adds depth and richness to our lives.

🍂 Boots: Autumn showers and muddy paths call for reliable and fashionable footwear. Boots not only keep our feet dry and cozy but also elevate our outfits with their versatility. They represent the stability and grounding we need during transitional periods. Just as trees root themselves firmly in the ground, boots encourage us to stand strong and face the winds of change with confidence.

🍁 Shawls: Wrap yourself in the elegance of a shawl, and you’ll feel the grace and beauty of autumn enveloping you. Shawls symbolize the art of letting go, as they gracefully drape over our shoulders, allowing us to release what no longer serves us. They remind us that true strength lies in embracing vulnerability and finding solace in the embrace of change.

Autumn teaches us to persevere through life’s challenges and to find hope in the promise of new beginnings. As the leaves fall, they create space for growth and renewal, paving the way for a fresh start in the coming seasons. By embracing autumn fashion and its symbolic meaning, we can reflect on the beauty of change and draw inspiration from the resilience of nature.

So, let us don our leather jackets, wrap ourselves in scarves, slip on our boots, and gracefully embrace the autumn shawls. Let us carry the lessons of this vibrant season within us, remembering to let go, persevere, and have hope for the coming spring. Just as autumn gracefully transitions into winter, we too can navigate the ebb and flow of life with grace and style.

‘Chic In The Fall’ – our May 2023 Fashion Issue in collaboration with She magazine (https://www.shemagazine.com.au/) is dedicated to the fashionable and transformative autumn season!

Supported By:

Eesha Boutique

(https://www.eeshaboutique.com)

Artantana Handmade

(https://www.instagram.com/artantana_handmade)

Light Antana Photography

(https://www.instagram.com/light_antana)

Louise Veronica Fashion Styling 

(https://www.facebook.com/louiseveronica.89)

Bani Thani Boutique

(https://www.facebook.com/Banithanisydney)

VikiLinks

(https://www.facebook.com/VikilinksAustralia)

The purpose of our fashion features, photoshoots, online magazine issues etc, is to empower and uplift women through fashion and make them feel confident about themselves. Another purpose is to provide a platform for women in the fashion & beauty industry to showcase their talents, skills and products.

We are pleased to welcome the gorgeous and talented Julie Warner, who recently joined our platform as a Supporter & Volunteer.

Julie started her first business at the age of 21, her second in 2003 from her love of travel (she has visited 130+ countries) – with a Travel planning/broker style business and in 2017 launched “Your Business Helper” (YBH). YBH helps cash-strapped, time-poor small business owners manage their online world with affordable website design, digital strategy planning and content creation services to get them found online and remembered.

Julie also established the not for profit business networking group “Independent Business Network Inc” (IBNInc) in 2008 providing business education and support to local micro and small business owners in the Hills District of Sydney. With a passion to help others in their business journey to succeed, she enjoys contributing to the local Hills District community providing an affordable, safe and inclusive space for business women and men to meet, learn and grow.

Julie also works as a NSW Government funded Business Connect Advisor and enjoys being able to work with and support local small business intenders, start ups or established businesses as they navigate all areas of running their own business. Book a No-Cost NSW Government Funded Business Connect Session: https://business-connect-register.industry.nsw.gov.au/pages/Advisor4.html?id=34b8bf3a-11aa-ea11-a96a-00155d643177&type=local

To find out more about Julie’s IBNInc Network group: https://independentbusinessnetworkinc.com/
Get in touch with Julie here: https://www.yourbusinesshelper.com.au/contact-us/

We look forward to working and collaborating with her.

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget the importance of self-care and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. That’s why our fashion and wellness session was a breath of fresh air.

The session was held in a cozy and intimate setting, with the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air. The ladies greeted each other with hugs and warm smiles, dressed in fashionable outfits to feel good about themselves.

They did some knitting together. While some of the women were experienced knitters, others were trying it for the first time. But regardless of their skill level, everyone was happy to learn and create something together. As they knitted, they chit-chatted about positive things in their lives, from new opportunities to exciting travel plans.

They continued to talk while knitting and enjoying tea and snacks, exchanging ideas and uplifting each other with compliments and kind words. The atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone felt comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts and experiences.

As the women left the session, they felt rejuvenated and inspired. They had taken a break from their busy lives to focus on self-care, connect with others, and uplift each other. It was a reminder that taking care of oneself is not only important but also fun and rewarding.

If you would like to join one of our sessions, where you will receive personalised attention as we value quality over quantity, email us at empoweredbwb@gmail.com or editor@sakhi.online.

What is Happiness?

By Tiya Gorain

Happiness is an elusive emotion that has been the subject of countless studies and debates throughout human history. It is a subjective and complex emotion that is difficult to define in a singular way. It can mean different things to different people and can be influenced by various factors such as personal experiences, culture, upbringing, and values. Generally, happiness is a positive emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, contentment, and satisfaction.

For some individuals, happiness is about finding inner peace and tranquility. This can involve practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, which help them to cultivate a sense of calm and stillness within themselves. By finding inner peace, they are able to live in the present moment, appreciate the beauty of life, and let go of stress and worries.

Others may view happiness as living life to their best potential. This involves setting personal goals, pursuing passions and interests, and constantly striving for self-improvement. This can lead to a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, as they are able to achieve their desired outcomes and live a life that aligns with their values and principles.

Being one’s highest possible self is another aspect of happiness for some people. This means being true to oneself, embracing one’s strengths and weaknesses, and striving for personal growth and development. This can involve developing skills and talents, building positive relationships with others, and contributing to the world in meaningful ways.

Helping others is another important factor in happiness for many individuals. By making a positive impact on the lives of others, they experience a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This can involve volunteering, donating to charity, or simply showing kindness and compassion to those around them.

Finally, some people view happiness as being able to leave a legacy behind. This involves making a positive impact on the world that will endure beyond their lifetime. This can involve contributing to society in a significant way, such as through philanthropy, activism, or innovation.

In conclusion, happiness is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can mean different things to different people. Whether it involves finding inner peace, living life to one’s best potential, being one’s highest possible self, helping others, or leaving a legacy behind, happiness is ultimately about living a life that aligns with one’s values and brings a sense of fulfillment and contentment. By pursuing happiness in whatever form it takes for each individual, we can all experience a more meaningful and purposeful existence.

Entrepreneurship is an exciting yet challenging journey, and for budding entrepreneurs, it can be a daunting task to navigate the startup landscape. However, a successful entrepreneurs’ summit can help equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, knowledge, and network to help them succeed. Our budding entrepreneurs’ summit, organised in collaboration with India Club and Sakhi magazine, brought together prominent guest speakers, innovative stall holders, and invaluable mentorship opportunities, among other offerings.

The summit aimed to help budding entrepreneurs overcome the common challenges faced during the initial stages of a startup. The event provided a range of opportunities for attendees to learn, connect, and grow. The summit had a diverse range of guest speakers, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. The speakers shared their experience, insights, and advice on how to navigate the competitive startup industry, secure funding, and build a sustainable business model.

In addition to the keynote speeches, the summit featured stalls showcasing innovative products and services from budding entrepreneurs. The products & services ranged from handmade jewellery, eco-friendly products to henna tattoos. The stalls also provided an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to network with potential clients and partners.

Another highlight of the summit was the mentorship and advisory opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. There was a team of experienced advisors and mentors helping attendees. They provided invaluable insights and guidance on business strategy, marketing, and scaling.

The summit also provided networking opportunities and attendees could connect with potential clients, partners, and investors. The event was attended by successful entrepreneurs and investors, who shared their insights and offered advice to the budding entrepreneurs.

Overall, the budding entrepreneurs’ summit was a huge success. The event brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and advisors, to provide a comprehensive learning and networking experience for attendees. The summit offered invaluable opportunities for budding entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and connect with potential clients and partners. The event was a testament to the thriving startup ecosystem in Sydney and a great step forward in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.

We are pleased to welcome the gorgeous and talented Emma Lisa, who recently joined our platform as a Nutritionist & Wellness Blogger.

“Hello! I’m Emma Lisa, author of the 6 Week Healthy Habits Lab Program! I am also the Women’s Practitioner behind the Eat Nourish Glow Women’s Clinic (https://www.eatnourishglow.com.au/). As a Nutritionist, I am strictly anti-diet, and specialise in nutrient-dense, real food cooking with a focus on low-carb, wholefood, and plant-based recipes. I’m teaching women aged 40+ how to break the diet cycle and find balance again!

If you would like to end the struggle with your plate (and the scale), start with a free 15-minutes chat with me to find your sparkle again. Book here:

https://bit.ly/3lsnfXt ” – Emma Lisa.

It was our great pleasure to collaborate with India Club and Community Foundation of Western Sydney and support their Multi-cultural Holi event. It was an awesome event with free food, coffee and colours for everyone. It was wonderful to see people of all ages, races, and walks of life attending and enjoying themselves.

Our founder Tiya Gorain gave a speech on ‘Why it is important to embrace diversity and celebrate multicultural festivals.’ Here is a transcript of her speech:

Hi everyone. Today, I would like to talk about the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating multicultural festivals like Holi.

As we live in a world where diversity is all around us, it is crucial that we acknowledge and celebrate it. Diversity makes our world a more interesting and exciting place to live in, and it is important to recognize and appreciate the different cultures, traditions, and beliefs that make us who we are.

One of the best ways to celebrate diversity is by participating in multicultural festivals such as Holi. Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated in many parts of the world, particularly in India and Nepal. It is also known as the “festival of colors” and it signifies the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. During Holi, people throw colored powder and water on each other, dance, sing, and share sweets and delicacies. It is a time when people come together, forget their differences, and celebrate the joy of life.

Participating in Holi is not only a fun and exciting experience, but it is also a way to embrace diversity and promote cultural understanding. By celebrating Holi, we are showing respect and appreciation for the Hindu culture and its traditions. We are also learning about a different way of life and gaining a new perspective on the world. By participating in multicultural festivals, we can break down barriers and build bridges of understanding between different communities.

Moreover, celebrating Holi brings us happiness. The colors and music of Holi create a festive atmosphere that is contagious. People let go of their inhibitions and embrace the joy of the moment. The laughter and camaraderie that come with celebrating Holi bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime. Holi is a time when people can forget their worries and celebrate life.

In a world where we often focus on our differences, it is important to remember that we all have something in common – our humanity. We all want to be happy, to love and be loved, and to be accepted for who we are. Celebrating multicultural festivals like Holi reminds us of this commonality and helps us to appreciate and celebrate our differences.

In conclusion, embracing diversity and celebrating multicultural festivals like Holi is important for many reasons. It helps us to understand and appreciate different cultures, promotes tolerance and respect, and brings us happiness. We should all make an effort to participate in such festivals and celebrate the diversity that makes our world a beautiful and interesting place to live in. Let us all come together and celebrate the joy of life. Thank you.

We are pleased to welcome the gorgeous and talented Mercedes Durante, who recently joined our platform as a Supporter & Volunteer. She is one of the Board of Directors of Positive Vibes Foundation (https://positivevibes.org.au) and the Head of The Hills Women’s Shed. She is also a First Responder at St John Ambulance and Past President of the local Rotary Club.

We look forward to working and collaborating with her.