Well here we are on the 4th IDY & Summer Solstice and I have a feeling of excitement, almost giddiness, welling up in side of me. This is such a special day to come together with millions across the world to connect through Yoga bringing peace and harmony to all.

The world we live in is increasingly frantic and busy; the news bombards us with events across the world which more often than not, as is the human nature, focuses on the negative showing scenes of hurt, pain, violence and tragedy - but our world is not all negative there are many positive, beautiful and wonderful people and places.

Through yoga we start to change our perception and our actions; by starting small and bringing a change to ourselves we begin to experience how that starts to ripple out to our environment and the people around us. Just notice how when you smile at someone they tend to smile back – that one action may just lift another person’s spirits enough for them to help them through the day and maybe pass that smile on to someone else.

Today is a day to connect with people, nature and the world around to celebrate Yoga and bring some peace and harmony so I encourage you to focus on the wonder and beauty of the world around you, when you feel a negative thought arising recognise that and replace it with something beautiful and positive! You may like to use the image of the lotus flower – traditionally used as the lotus grows in some of the murkiest muddiest ponds and out of that comes the most beautiful flower, symbolising purity and beauty.