Each yoga session starts with a clear intention. It can be relaxing, switching off after work, or sending gratitude to somebody. Your inner state is the base to create external changes.
Begin every meeting by setting out your intention, including the âgoalsâ for the meeting but also the inner state (patient, engaged, friendly, decisive) needed to achieve them.
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Relaxing briefly after a pose helps you to recharge quickly after expending effort and sustains the quality of the action.
Take time â just a couple of minutes â after meetings and activities to release tension. Micro-breaks are key to sustaining energy. Stretch, stand up, and let go of what you no longer need (thoughts, emotions).
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Breathing trains the mind to quieten down, manage intensity and relax discomfort.
Concentrate on your breathing for a few moments when you notice that your focus is wandering, especially when you start to feel unsettled. Exhale slowly and for longer than usual to clear your mind (you can do it while you talk).
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In standing balancing postures, the feet are firmly on the ground and the gaze is fixed straight ahead. This pose is dynamic because it requires constant small adjustments to maintain it. Being both flexible and grounded is necessary to face unexpected events.
Whatâs your strategy to deal with an uncertain situation? How do you find inner stillness when your team needs direction and you feel on shaky ground? List your strategies and consider how to learn new ones.
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Itâs only human to glance at your neighbors to see if they can bend as far as you â but the goal is to stay âpresentâ for longer, not to be able to touch your knee with your nose.
The fear of ânot being good enoughâ can derail you by shifting your attention away from the task at hand. Check regularly to see whether focusing on how others are performing is detracting from giving your best.
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Despite the current (mis)perception that yoga is about insane flexibility and being able to balance perfectly on one leg like a pink flamingo, its philosophical foundations are about having the right mental attitude that can help you greatly in your daily leadership practice.
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