YO:GA O'CLOCK

Federal Violet was born out of a great passion and love for movement in every form. It was born to support a healthy lifestyle in this hectic world. To create balance in busy times, so that we can also prioritize our moments of rest. Our goal is to provide our FV Journal readers with fun reading material about healthy ways to optimize your health, both physically and mentally. Today we do that by putting the phenomenon of 'Yoga' in the spotlight. Why today? Because today is International Yoga Day!

Yoga is a classical movement art that is over 2000 years old. Yoga focuses on connecting and balancing the body, mind and soul. The word 'yoga' comes from Sanskrit, and means to unite or to form a unity. It symbolizes the uniting of the body and consciousness . How beautiful is that?

International Yoga Day

The United Nations officially declared International Yoga Day on December 11, 2014. However, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi had this astonishing explanation to say about the decision to establish the day:

“Yoga is a gift from the ancient tradition of India. It embodies the unity of mind and body; thought and action; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about sports but about discovering the sense of unity with oneself, the world and nature.” The date chosen to celebrate International Yoga Day, June 21, is also significant as it is the Summer Solstice and marks the transition to Dakshinayana. So far, more than 170 countries worldwide have expressed their support for the day.

Let's move with Astrid

Today we celebrate this day in collaboration with the most fun Astrid Kwakernaak. Astrid graduated as a physiotherapist and has recently started her new profession as a holistic health coach with pleasure in The Hague. She recently also started her own company, called Sustainable Balance, in which she shares her passion and knowledge as a coach with her clients. Astrid has a great passion for movement and in this FV Journal she shares her story with us.
''In my work as a coach and physiotherapist I use the holistic approach. This means that I look at the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of people. In the field of sports I find it important that people are in balance by alternating strength, cardio and flexibility. By using this combination you will experience the benefits in each of the lessons. Because I started doing more strength training, I became stronger and I benefit from that during my yoga lessons ''

We asked Astrid which four yoga poses are her favorites. She also shares with us why you should give these poses a try too!

''I like to do yoga to be fully connected to myself by following my breathing and keeping my body flexible. The poses during a yoga class each have their own properties and effect on the body.''

1. The Tree Pose
   
   This pose gives you a feeling of self-confidence, an energy boost, calms your thoughts and grounds you.
   
   
2. The Dancer's Pose
   
   
   This pose helps you improve your balance and focus.
   
   
3. The Wild Thing Pose
   
   
   The pose gives you strength, confidence and courage. It is a playful pose that helps you remember to do something crazy and have fun every now and then. The dancer's pose and wild thing are my personal favorite poses because of the heart opening.
   
   
4. The Headstand Pose
   
   This pose calms your brain and helps reduce stress and mild symptoms of depression. It also improves digestion.
   
   Astrid is wearing our bestseller the Violet Essential set in the color Dark Violet, size M. Do you also want to shine in this set during your workout? Shop the Crop Bra and the High Rise Legging now, because they are almost sold out!

*Read more about International Yoga Day here: https://nationaltoday.com/international-yoga-day/