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World Yoga Day: Yoga Lovers Take A Class Under The Sea |
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To celebrate International Yoga Day (21June) the National Sea Life Centre Birmingham teamed up with several of its sister sites across the UK to trial aquarium-based classes; providing yoga lovers with the unique chance to rebalance their chakras amongst the ocean’s most weird and wonderful creatures.
While these initial classes on International Yoga Day acting as taster sessions, the National Sea Life Centre is amongst Sea Life aquariums across the UK that are looking to roll out the concept as a full-time element of their regular events programmes once the success of this initial event has been evaluated.
The class was devised following the release of several scientific studies in recent years, including work published in 2017 by the American Psychological Association and in 2013 by the University of Exeter, which has proven the calming and meditative effect water and ocean life has on humans. This, coupled with a session led by a professional instructor, offered the attending yogis a mindful class like no other, as well as a one-of-a-kind experience.
All funds generated via the classes were donated to the SEA LIFE Trust, which works across the world to support practical local projects to protect marine wildlife and their habitats, alongside working on conservation campaigns to effect long-lasting change on a global scale. Major projects for the charity include running a seal rescue centre in Cornwall and the construction of the world’s first Beluga Whale sanctuary.
Sarah Brown, spokesperson for the National Sea Life Centre, said: “We’re dedicated to bringing new, unique formats to our aquarium so that we can offer West Midlands residents and visitors alike a diverse day out at our site – and that’s something that’s certainly true of our yoga sessions today. Everyone involved had a great time and the initial feedback we’ve had from local yogis has been fantastic. Best of all, the class also raised funds for our charitable trust, which does amazing work in rescuing and conserving ocean life around the world.”
International Day of Yoga is a worldwide celebration of the ancient, spiritual practice, held annually on 21st June since 2015. The day was declared by the United Nations General Assembly following a proposal by then Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, who suggested the date as it’s the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere and shares a special significance in many parts of the world. Here in the UK, the date coincides with the Summer Solstice. |
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