Start Where You Are: A Yogic Call to Presence and Possibility

As the world celebrates the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21, 2025, with the resonant theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” we are invited not only to roll out our mats but to awaken to a deeper truth: that the journey of yoga begins exactly where we are, in this very moment, with all its imperfections, hopes, and possibilities. This is a call, a yogic call, to presence, to possibility, and to the profound realization that our true transformation starts not in some distant future, but right here, right now.

The Essence of Presence in Yogic Living

Presence is more than a fleeting mindfulness technique; it is the very heart of yogic wisdom. To be present is to fully inhabit the now, to witness life as it unfolds, and to meet ourselves with honesty and compassion. Yogic teachings remind us that the true present is not just a sliver of time sandwiched between past and future, but the eternal presence of consciousness itself, a state of being that observes, witnesses, and embraces all that arises without attachment or aversion.

“The true present is the presence of consciousness which observes time but does not change along with time. In that pure presence of Being, the images of time appear like bubbles or clouds that have no real substance of their own.”

This presence is not passive. It is alive, vibrant, and transformative. When we cultivate presence, we step out of the habitual chatter of the mind and into a space where genuine clarity, peace, and creativity can emerge. In the words of Anand Mehrotra, presence is the gateway to possibility, it is where the journey of yoga truly begins.

Start Where You Are: The Yogic Approach

The beauty of yoga lies in its inclusivity. You do not need to be flexible, calm, or enlightened to begin. You simply need to start where you are. This is a radical act of self-acceptance, a recognition that your current reality, whatever it may be, is the perfect place to begin your transformation.

• Acknowledge Your Reality: Whether you are feeling joyful, anxious, energetic, or weary, yoga invites you to meet yourself honestly. There is no need to pretend or strive for some ideal state. The mat becomes a mirror, reflecting your inner landscape with compassion.
• Embrace Impermanence: Life is in constant flux. By practicing presence, we learn to ride the waves of change with grace, neither clinging to pleasure nor resisting discomfort. This is the yogic art of equanimity.
• Open to Possibility: When we are present, we are no longer imprisoned by past regrets or future anxieties. We become receptive to new insights, creative solutions, and unexpected opportunities. Presence is the soil in which the seeds of possibility take root and flourish.

The Gift of Presence: On and Off the Mat

Presence is not confined to the yoga studio. It is a way of being that permeates every aspect of life. The simple act of pausing to feel your breath, noticing the sensations in your body, or truly listening to another person can be a profound practice of presence. These moments, though small, are transformative, they connect us to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us.

• Start the Day Without Distraction: Before reaching for your phone, take a few moments to simply be. Feel the breath, notice the sensations in your body, and set an intention for presence throughout your day.
• Practice Mindful Transitions: Whether you are waiting at a traffic light or moving between meetings, use these pauses as opportunities to anchor yourself in the present moment.
• Deep Listening: In conversation, give your full attention to the person before you. Listen not just with your ears, but with your whole being. This is the gift of presence, and it is felt deeply by both giver and receiver.

International Yoga Day 2025: A Global Invitation

This year’s International Yoga Day theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underscores the interconnectedness of individual and collective well-being. Yoga is not only a personal practice but a global movement toward harmony with ourselves, each other, and the planet. The mass yoga demonstrations, community events, and global meditations are reminders that when we come together in presence, we amplify the possibility for healing and transformation on a planetary scale.

The choice of June 21, the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, symbolizes balance, renewal, and the infinite potential of light. These are not just seasonal metaphors, but living truths in yogic philosophy. Yoga teaches us that when we are present, we become instruments of balance and renewal in our own lives and in the world.

Anand Mehrotra: Presence as the Foundation of Possibility

Drawing inspiration from Anand Mehrotra’s teachings, presence is not a static state but a dynamic engagement with life. It is the foundation upon which all possibility rests. When we are present, we are able to access our highest potential, respond to life’s challenges with wisdom, and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.

Anand Mehrotra’s approach is deeply rooted in the recognition that yoga is not about escaping reality, but about embracing it fully. It is about awakening to the truth of who we are, beyond our stories, identities, and limitations. In presence, we discover that we are not separate from life, but intimately woven into the fabric of existence itself.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Presence and Possibility

Presence is both a practice and a state of being. Here are some practical ways to start where you are and cultivate presence in your daily life:

• Breath Awareness: The breath is a powerful anchor to the present moment. Take a few conscious breaths, feeling the inhale and exhale, and notice how it brings you into the now.
• Body Scan: Gently bring your attention to different parts of your body, noticing sensations without judgment. This practice grounds you in the reality of your embodied experience.
• Gratitude Reflection: At the end of each day, reflect on three things you are grateful for. Gratitude is a doorway to presence and possibility, shifting your focus from lack to abundance.
• Nature Connection: Spend time in nature, even if it’s just a few minutes in a garden or park. Notice the colors, textures, and sounds. Nature is a living reminder of presence and interconnectedness.
• Intentional Movement: Whether through yoga postures, walking, or dance, move your body with awareness. Let each movement be an expression of presence.

Presence as a Portal to Transformation

The wisdom of yoga is timeless: the only moment we truly have is now. When we start where we are, with full presence, we unlock the potential for profound transformation. We become more resilient, compassionate, and creative. We discover that possibility is not something to be chased in the future, but something to be realized in the present.

As you celebrate International Yoga Day, remember that the journey of yoga is not about perfection, but about presence. It is about meeting yourself and the world, with open eyes and an open heart. It is about recognizing that every breath, every moment, is an invitation to awaken to your highest possibility.

Let this International Yoga Day be a reminder: Start where you are. Be present. 

Embrace possibility. In doing so, you not only transform yourself, but you also become a source of inspiration and healing for the world.