I’ve had a yoga practice on and off for well over a decade (maybe 2?). During COVID when I couldn’t get to a yoga studio, I tried following an app on my phone and probably did a few YouTube videos, but my practice languished until I found a yoga studio in the country. It was a thirty minute drive and became a nice Saturday morning ritual, stopping off at the local farmer’s market after class.

Fast forward a year and a half and I found a local gym only 8 minutes from my house that offers yoga classes. They’re not exactly the same vibe, but they are warm and intimate and I’m able to go twice a week since they are closer and more convenient. In other words, I can commit to it because it’s become more accessible and easy (oh yeah, and less expensive).

I recently went to a workshop at a new yoga studio in another town and was introduced to new aspects of yoga more focused on the breath. They say that how you show up on the (yoga) mat is a good representation of how you approach life and I think there’s some truth to that. Are we loving and gentle with ourselves or anxious and competitive with others? Can we be present in the moment to be with ourselves, our body and our experience, noticing how things actually feel or do we get distracted by other thoughts and expectations of ourself?

FINDING EASE

Here are some leadership lessons from yoga we can apply more broadly.

When it comes time to hold a yoga pose, some interesting adjustments within your body and awareness can make a huge difference in your experience. First, if you feel tight and stiff, bringing breath into those places can often relax the area and open up more space. It’s pretty natural for our bodies to react differently every day and even for there to be differences between our right and left sides. It’s not about perfection and growth or pushing, but about showing up.

TIP #1: Remember to breathe and slow down.

This can help in so many aspects of life. When we try to push and muscle our way through, we are creating more struggle. Being gentle and loving to our bodies and selves is a far more gracious way of being instead of beating ourselves up for not doing more or being enough.

A little goes a long way. The subtlest adjustments to our form can allow us to stretch and shift into a pose more deeply.  Obviously we want to avoid pain, but it’s okay to find some tension then release the friction by holding it a bit or backing off if needed. When I’m able to relax into a pose, my stretch always deepens.

TIP #2: Find your edge.

As you look to grow and expand in whatever you’re doing, you want to stretch yourself like a rubber band to go further, but not so far that you break. One aspect of yoga I enjoy is that you can always find the level of difficulty for the pose that feels right for you. On a good day (after months or regular practice mind you), I can get all pretzel twisty and do some of the more challenging poses. It’s such a sense of accomplishment. Other times, not so much. Right now, as I build back my strength, flexibility and endurance, I adjust the pose to the level I’m at, yet I aspire to keep getting better to the best of my abilities.

Having a caring teacher available to provide input on your positioning can make a huge difference. I’m always amazed when the yoga instructor makes a slight modification to how I’m holding a pose, and I immediately feel how my body can move in a different way. We can’t always know how we’re showing up and whether doing something else can help us advance. This is hard to do alone by yourself watching a video where you have to sense if you’re doing things right on your own.

TIP #3: Get the support you need.

An experienced guide can make all the difference in how quickly you learn and grow because you’re not having to figure it all out yourself. Essentially they can show you the shortcuts and customize things to your personal requirements since everyone is unique. Just like each of our bodies are different, we can’t all do every yoga pose exactly the same way.

Forcing is less effective than flowing. Clenching our muscles just serves to create more tension, while relaxing creates more ease. Coming back to the breath while holding a pose for a period of time often opens it up to go deeper. Finding that “ahhhh!!!!” feeling as you unwind the tension is powerful..

TIP #4: Be patient and persistent to achieve more.

Coming back to presence and being with what is, not what you wish would be is important. Knowing you are committed to yourself and that this will pay off over time can help you stick with things, even when they are challenging.

Sometimes less is more. Consistency, practicing on a regular basis, even for a shorter amount of time can help you sustain your progress. One and done is not always a recipe for longevity.  It might feel good at the time to power through an intense workout, but if you then feel wiped out and stop going back, you’ve basically spent all your energy.

TIP #5: Keep showing up.

How can you commit to doing the work to (or play) to accomplish something that’s important to you?  How much do you want it? Could you break it down into baby steps over time to make progress?  I’m considering doing 15 minutes a day for 4 or 5 days a week to be more consistent as an alternative to 2 hours twice a week. This would allow me to build a habit that I can incorporate over my lifetime.

It’s inevitable to look around and notice other people’s bodies and abilities. There are some very capable and well-oiled machines (and muscles) at the gym – they’ve been working out for a while. I try to find inspiration in knowing they’ve been doing this for longer (and more consistently) than I have and with time, I’m likely to get better and stronger too.

TIP #6: There’s no competition.

There’s no award for getting your legs wider apart in a split or making your back bend higher (unless you’re in the Olympics). In yoga, you show up for yourself to do and find your personal best, today. It may be different tomorrow. No day is better or worse than the next. It’s the art of showing up and challenging yourself that matters.

Make it Yours

My final thought on yoga inspiration for lifelong learning is DO YOU! There are so many yoga practices from hatha to bikram/hot (not a fan, too sweaty!) to flow and even goat and laughing yoga. Want quiet, practice in silence. Prefer to groove, then rock out. One of my favorite teachers was a surfer and her class was just like riding the waves, diving and holding the poses. Find what works for you.

I won’t get into the deeper philosophy of being a yogi for those of you runners, HIIT and kickboxing fans, suffice it to say it’s a different energy. As with any practice, making a commitment to yourself and following your values is what matters most. You are the yogi of your life – constantly showing up and seeking to master your mindset and be present with all that is. And that’s a beautiful way to live – caring about yourself, the world around you and your impact on others. .

If you have a yoga practice, I’d love to hear (even if you’re a fan of Bikram:) Have you ever found something you might have appreciated in passing come back around into your life with more meaning, allowing you to go deeper? This is an important opportunity to notice what is calling you and why it might be surfacing now to be revisited.

FREE Monthly Office Hours & Coaching

Consider joining me next Friday for some group coaching and discussion or just to say hi. I’m looking forward to hosting my first FULFILLING WORK FRIDAYS – FREE office hours and group coaching call. I’ll be answering questions about finding more happiness and satisfaction in work and life. I would love to see you, your friends and anyone you feel would benefit from feeling more authentic and aligned. Please feel free to share details.

I discovered the tickets were accidentally hidden and not visible last week, but this is fixed now, so registration is open:)

Save the dates:

• Friday, October 4 from 12-1pm EST
• Friday, November 1 from 12-1pm EST
• Friday, December 13 from 12-1pm EST

REGISTER HERE to sign up and get more details (https://FulfillingWork.eventbrite.com).

Submit any questions or challenges beforehand or bring them live for me to respond. Areas we may look at are:

FOR LEADERS

• Managing a career change
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FOR EVERYONE

• Overcoming burnout
• Finding your path
• Staying positive
• Speaking your truth
• Creating work/life balance

In a group session I facilitated a few years ago, a founder realized she was not aligned with her co-founder and decided to exit their startup. It was an eye-opener and caused her to rethink her priorities. Wow!  Right, I know – how great to change your perspective before realizing you made the wrong choice. No guarantees, but I know people walk away with valuable lessons every time we gather!  So, sign up here – I’d love to see you there.

Please note that Zoom sessions will be recorded and not confidential unless you change your name and turn off your video.

I’m excited to hear what’s top of mind for you and how I can support your growth and transformation.