Happy Father’s Day & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter
“All great truths are simple in final analysis, and easily understood; if they are not, they are not great truths.” Napoleon Hill
Happy Father’s & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter – Dads from Everywhere
1. Success is more than making money
2. Life is hard … and not always fair
3. Life is also fun … and incredibly funny
4. We live by Choice, not by chance
5. Attitude Is a Choice … the most important One you’ll ever make. Via Hal Urban’s Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter
Happy Father’s Day and International Day of Yoga! I think both fit perfectly today, as we all need to think about ways to improve our health and family relationships on this very special occasion. To help us along, I picked up my copy of Hal Urban’s Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter to share some words of wisdom with you. His book offers excellent insights on what truly matters when we think of Fatherhood, Parenthood, Health and Life. He wrote it in 1992, under a different title; 20 Things I Want My Kids to Know, as a special gift to his children (four sons). During a two year separation from his loved ones, Hal stayed in touch by writing weekly letters to his kids. He was committed to his plan and wrote the letters for two straight years. His effort paid off.
A few years later, Hal decided to create a book to capture the essence of his weekly letters. The response to his book was so great, it became a bestseller and a phenomenal success. Hal recognized the hunger people had for such grounded wisdom, so he tweaked the title and republished it again and again. The aphorisms in this inspiring book are a great gift to all of us who wish to form closer bonds with our loved ones. I have shared the 20 terrific pointers in block-quotes, above and below, and I hope the 20 Things That Matter will touch your heart as they did mine.
“By proclaiming 21 June as the International Day of Yoga, the General Assembly has recognized the holistic benefits of this timeless practice and its inherent compatibility with the principles and values of the United Nations.” Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General
Happy Father’s & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter – Day of Yoga
Yoga With Adrienne: Day 10 – 10 min Sun Salutation Practice -30 Days of Yoga
6. Habits are the key to all success
7. Being thankful is a habit … the best one you’ll ever have
8. Good people build their lives on a foundation of respect
9. Honesty is still the best policy
10. Kind words cost little but accomplish much
On December 11 2014, the United Nations recognized the universal appeal of Yoga and declared June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. This is the first year that we are celebrating Yoga, with the UN as an endorser, and its global appeal is not to be overlooked. While some have tried to dismiss Yoga as a religious practice, its holistic benefits can be and have been enjoyed by people from all walks of life. You can start a simple practice today and build on it; Yoga is not just the reserve of practitioners and pundits. For starters, take a moment to enjoy the 10 minutes Salutation to The Sun – Surya Namaskar sequences above. Adrienne is a gifted teacher who knows how to connect with people at all levels and abilities. If you’ve ever wanted a simple introduction to Hatha Yoga, try checking out her YouTube videos.
“Let us do our best to gather together with other devotees, friends and family and practice some yoga together for the sake of world peace and Mother Nature.” Amma
Happy Father’s & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter – May Peace prevail
11. Real Motivation comes from within
12. Goals are dreams with deadlines
13. There’s no substitute for hard work
14. You have to give up something to get something
15. Successful people don’t find time … they make time
The Mata Amritanandamayi Centers (M.A. Centers) of North America are encouraging us to enjoy this auspicious day by trying some simple, easy-to-do movements. Amma has always been an influential figure in international peace efforts and her participation, as an advocate for the UN declaration on Yoga, was helpful to the creation of this great celebratory day. A few days ago, Amma said, “It is such a great step the United Nations has taken to acknowledge the value of the ancient practice of Yoga. Let us do our best to gather together with other devotees, friends, and family and practice some yoga together for the sake of world peace and Mother Nature.” She has also suggested we try to do something today: 12 minutes of singing/a chant, 7 minutes of Sun Salutation, 8 minutes of 4 simple yoga postures/asanas, 2 minutes of rest/Shavasana pose, a Nature walk with our children, a 10 minutes discussion on how body, mind, and nature are connected, and a conversation about how important it is to keep a focused mind in all we do. Give it a try or do your own variation on the same and enjoy the company of your loved ones on this special day. Happy Father’s Day & Happy International Yoga Day!
More Below!
“Life is a succession of lessons that have to be lived to be understood.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happy Father’s & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter – Health & Family
Happy Father’s & International Yoga Day: 20 Things That Matter – Collage
16. No one else can raise your self-esteem
17. The body needs nutrition and exercise … so do the mind and spirit
18. It’s okay to fail … everyone else has
19. Life is simpler when we know what’s essential
20. Essential #1 is being a good person. Via Hal Urban’s Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter
As the saying by William Shakespeare goes, “It is a wise father that knows his own child.” We are all someone’s child, and the wisdom we receive from our guardians carry us into adult life. Even if our father figures were missing, we probably had others, including moms/caregivers, we turned to for wisdom. In the first chapter of Hal’s book: Life’s Greatest Lessons: 20 Things That Matter, he shares four reasons why he wrote the book: He said (1) We’re never too young or old to learn life lessons and the time is right now. (2) They don’t teach life’s essentials or how life works at school. (3) Most of us need help to discover how good we can be and (4) Old fashioned truth never goes out of style; even for Generation X in the millennial. I concur. There are basic truths to living a healthy and happy life, and these are universal truths that we can’t quibble over. On this day, may you find peace, joy, and love in things that truly matter. Here’s to a Happy Father’s Day & Happy International Yoga Day!
Positive Motivation Tip: Our health and loved ones are precious parts of our lives. Make time to celebrate Father’s Day and get some simple stretches in while you’re at it. Cherish the connections!
More Wellness Boosters/Affirmations & Resources
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos on Father’s Day from my Personal Collection and Father’s Day, Wikipedia. Yoga sign, Yoga photos via Wikipedia
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Motivation Mondays: Father’s Day #mondaymotivation | Mirth and Motivation
- Happy Father’s Day: Love to all #DadsDay ! | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Father’s Day Matters | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: Honoring Father’s Day | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: For Our Fathers #fathersday | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation Mondays: 21 Inspiring Yoga Quotes & Poems #YogaDay2019 | Mirth and Motivation
- Motivation 2020: On Father’s Day #FathersDay | Mirth and Motivation
I wish my dad were more present in our lives as we were growing up. My life lessons and guidance came mostly from my Mom who stood both as a father and mother to my brother and I. She’s always taught us to stand up for what we believe in, to respect others, and to always be the best no matter how small a task is 🙂
She did a great job… Bless you both! <3
I love the idea of writing our children weekly letters to share with them what we have learned. Turning it into a book is a wonderful idea to share with everyone!
I agree. That is something I want to start doing soon.
A great day to celebrate connections pairing yoga and Fathers
Today was definitely a good day to get started on the yoga plan. Way too much food consumed at Father’s Day meal.
Never too late Tony! 🙂
Absolutely loved this <3 Great post combining both Father's Day and yoga!
Its nice to see people honoring their parents. I just hope this can be an everyday thing.
Happy Father’s day to all dads and single moms who are acting like DADs to their kid(s) too. Thanks for this very special post by the way.
TY Ron! Happy father’s Day! 🙂
I took yoga back in High School and have been wanting to take it again recently. Thanks for the motivation to look into it a bit more seriously.
Thank you too for reading my post! <3
Thank you Eliz, number six is something I’ve never thought about until now.
Same here; at least not in that way. It holds truth to it. Hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Real Motivation comes from within – this is so true, success can be reached if one is really motivated.
Hope you had a great time your dad on Father’s day 🙂
Thank you and likewise!
Nice words … if the world lived like this it would be a better place. The Matrix does its best to to hinder this –
Interesting observation… TY! 🙂
I always feel so enriched when I read your posts – you are fantabulous!
Thank you Julie! I owe you a visit! <3
Aww, this is really true, Im proud because Im a father of two kids and you are right life is hard but you can make it happy family.
I didn’t know there was a day. Lovely photos and images, though!
This is a nice post. I didn’t have a father in my life but like you said there were other examples that took his place.
Glad o see you here… You were clearly loved. <3
I didn’t even realize that there was an International Yoga Day. I wish my dad would start doing yoga as I have because he isn’t getting any younger and has a lot of stress from his work.
yoga and dads. two things that should be celebrated! Love them both!
I didn’t know it was international yoga day. I used to do yoga more, but haven’t been much lately.
Never too late…
I didn’t know it was International Yoga day as well! I think these two celebrations go well together too!
It would be perfect to bring our Father on International Yoga day too event, this would bond the children and the father itself in a healthier ways.
I have never tried yoga, but I think I’d love to see what it can do for my body.
What an awesome day! I love yoga and need to start practicing daily again! 🙂
I admire people who do yoga. Their body is so flexible,
Didn’t know that Father’s Day and International Yoga Day are celebrated together in June until yesterday! ^_^
Just this year… Not always.
Very inspiring post with awesome photos. Nice ideas to live by specially that ” Good people build their lives on a foundation of respect”.
I didn’t know about the International Day of Yoga but it’s the Summer Solstice too. I love the 20 things that matter, I need those framed in my room.
I would love to see my dad attempt yoga or my husband it would be quite funny either way. I could return the laugh by showing some of my yoga moves off. 🙂
Hahaha! 🙂 Nice one Becka!
I tried yoga once and wasn’t crazy about it, but it may have been the type of yoga that wasn’t right for me. I’ve been meaning to try again!
Yes! Happy Father’s Day and yes to Yoga. I would love a 30-day 10 minute a day yoga challenge.
This was such a special day! Also love your motivation tip!
Glad to see you here. TY! 🙂
I had no idea that it was International Yoga Day! I feel like a bad yogi!
It’s all good Wendy!
Yoga sounds good to me right now because I am sick and body aches. I need the positive energy to come in and negative to go out. The pictures of the flowers are so calming and I totally love the blue and pink lights incorporated into the pictures. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there you have been there for us all. Thanks for sharing.,
Thank you Rebecca! I do hope you feel better soon.
I love these words. I celebrated International Yoga Day last year in Times Square, but I didn’t get to this year. I actually haven’t practiced in some time, but it’s always nice when I do!
I was there last year too… I simply forgot to go this time around… Ha!
great post – love the connection between Father’s Day and International Yoga Day!
Probably if International Yoga Day was on Mothers day that would be an even bigger hit.
I haven’t ever thought of the two of them together, but what a fun combo. I need to do a bit of yoga a day!
Try Adrienne’s video. It’s fairly easy and just 10 minutes.
I love number five, attitude is a choice: “The most important one you’ll ever make.” That is so incredibly true…some people live bad lives just because they choose to be bitter and have a bad attitude. I couldn’t do that. Of course we all have bad days and let days get us down, but those days shouldn’t turn into weeks or months or years.
I love how you’ve pinpointed the connection between yoga and Father’s Day. I never thought of that. We surely have to work on improving our health and our relationship with the ones we love.
thanks for sharing. the positive vibes of Yoga and the day of greatest father, yep, a good combo!
I had no idea there was even such a day for yoga. I learned something new.
I love yoga, it brings me to a peaceful place, beautiful photos!
Happy belated Father’s Day to all those who play a father role out there!
Father’s Day was hard for me this year but I did celebrate International Yoga Day which helped me a great deal!
Yoga & Dad! These two are way too comforting! 🙂
Love all the words of wisdom shared in this post. Father’s are so important in children’s lives. So grateful for my good husband and a father.
Nice combination. 🙂 Happy (late) yoga day!
Love those wonderful Father’s Day pictures you have shared here. Its great to learn more about International Yoga Day & those amazing pictures as well. I do agree, that Success is more than making money!
I love yoga!! And yes I believe attitude is a choice we have the ability to turn any situation into a good one or a bad one.
I hope it was a fun and lovely day for you and your Dad.
I lost mine 12 years ago but it’s my husband’s first time to celebrate it this year. However, Father’s Day in Australia is celebrated every September. I need to think of coming up something simple for him to remember his first ever celebration as a Dad.
Thanks for this insightful post. I have never tried yoga but I know of some health buff friends who are enthusiasts. They do inspire me to try to keep fit and healthy.
It’s a pleasure to be here. See you around!
Sorry about your loss… My dad passed away 20+ years ago.
I had no idea it was also National Yoga day! I love yoga!
This sounds great. I have been meaning to get back into my fitness routine and yoga would be a great low impact option for me.
What a great post for Father’s Day and I had no idea there was an International Day celebrating yoga.
I have been wanting to try yoga for sometime but I just don’t have the ability. Ever since I hurt my knee and ankle a few years back, yoga has been a no go for me.
I can’t wait to try that quick intro yoga! I’ve always wanted to try it. Thank you
Cannot wait to try that ten minute session! And #16 is a great reminder for me this week!
Great list! All of these are so important but many are easily forgotten. Also, I LOVE Yoga with Adriene 😀
Same here…
Didn’t know at all that these two days we connected. We live and we learn!
Father’s Day is a difficult day for my kids–I work hard to make it a good day for them by celebrating better things.
Yes cherish your connections! I lost my father 1.5 years ago so Fathers Day is bittersweet for me
What a wonderful way to cherish your children. I would love to receive a book like that from my dad. So touching! 🙂
#20 Making time is definitely something i need to do better so i can do yoga again!
These are all great. I never knew these were both on the same day.
it’s interesting yoga day lands on father’s day, no? hope your family had a lovely father’s day despite the covid-19.
I couldn’t agree more. I have been blessed to cherish every moment with my father and got to celebrate father’s day every year with him.
“We live by choice….not by chance”…. I love this a lot. Let’s live in the now and smile forever.
I love every single thing you posted! So true!
Yoga is a very fun activity to do and a great way to spend time! Thanks for sharing!
I love the idea of writing letters and making a book out of them! I think that parents and children should do that and make a book including both soldes!
I think before I used to hear about International Zumba Day, now I’m glad that there is also an initiative for Yoga communities.
Beautiful and inspiring post as usual. I didn’t know the link between these two dates. I will share your post with one of my friends to test her knowledge.
many of these points should be remembered and followed but most of time it is forgotten !
I’m started to do yoga lately and I enjoy a lot aside from helping me to meditate it can help me to lose my weight Happy International Yoga day and fathers day to the all father around the world.
I wasn’t aware that there’s a day dedicated to practicing yoga – but I’m glad it exist! I do yoga myself, anti-gravity and Vinsaya. It offers physical AND mental benefits. Kind of challenging but totally worth it.
Intresting to know that Fathers day and Yoga day are on the same day. I adore the idea of writting letters to our children and then share them with them when they are older.
I love Father’s Day and yoga as well I think it’s a good idea to mix the two activities
I’m such a fan of yoga. I do love what you said about Father’s Day too.
I missed it being International Yoga Day. I do yoga most evenings, but didn’t get a chance that day. My husband enjoys doing yoga with me, so it would have been a Father’s Day treat for us!
Yes, it happens on the same date every year. This year the pandemic has taken all of our focus so we need yoga too.
I love the post. Wonderful combination with fathers day and yoga day.. thanks for sharing!
The combination of father’s day with yoga is really good combination. Unfotunately I dont have my dad anymore nor can I do Yoga anymore.
Yoga is so relaxing! I love the feeling I have afterwards.
I didn’t know that these two were on the same day. I actually just bought a yoga mat, planning to do some more proper yoga at home. Good timing.
I didn’t know there was international yoga.Another thing I’m amazed that you have being blogging for years .it’s really encouraging
There are a lot of things that we should be thankful for for our fathers even if we don’t have good relationship with them. Thank you for all these reminders!
These are some great tips for how to stay motivated and inspired and fit on world yoga day.
Oh wow this is really amazing..Yoga is very important to keep yourself healthy and fit..Thanks for sharing your ideas about it..This is much useful…Great work
My father passed more than 18 years ago, but I thank God every day that I was blessed to have him in my life for as long as I did and have so many happy memories.
I was interested to find out how you would combine Father’s Day and yoga, but you nailed. Love the list–all of these are important to remember.
I am glad that my Father gave us so many life lessons as we grow up and he thought us so many things. Now that he is gone, we never feel the loneliness so much coz we know in our hearts that he is always there, guiding us.
I am just starting to get into yoga! Love this
I had no idea that there was an international Yoga day but I guess it makes sense. I love how the quotes you mention can fit for strengthening a person practicing Yoga or inspiring men to be strong fathers.