From the Mat to Zoom: Enhancing Leadership Through Mind-Body Practices

Have you ever considered how mind-body practices like yoga can transform your leadership approach? Today, I'll share insights from my journey, where studying yoga not only enhanced my well-being but also evolved how I lead myself and support others.

Understanding Self-Leadership Through Yoga

Self-leadership, as defined by Positive Psychology, is the practice of understanding who you are, identifying your desired experiences, and intentionally guiding yourself toward them. It involves determining what we do, why we do it, and how we do it. My yoga teacher training forced me to reflect on my approach to self-leadership, offering invaluable lessons in three primary areas.

Enhancing Awareness: The Power of Mind-Body Connection

Yoga has deepened my mind-body connection, allowing me to better recognize and communicate my emotions and energy levels. For instance, I noticed my energy was low during a particularly challenging week. Instead of pushing through, I acknowledged my limits and adjusted my schedule to prioritize rest, intentional movement, and ordered nourishing food. This awareness improved my well-being and enhanced my effectiveness at work, as I could approach tasks with renewed focus and clarity.

Engagement: Authentic Leadership on and Off the Mat

Through yoga, I've learned to show up more authentically on and off the mat. This authenticity has transformed how I interact with others and fosters deeper connections. For example, I encountered a founder facing significant challenges in a recent coaching session. By recognizing and addressing the emotions that surfaced, I created a safe space for reflection and commitment to action. Though this empathetic approach extended the session, it resulted in a more productive outcome, and I was not resentful. I double-checked my calendar before agreeing to continue the conversation with the founder.

Setting Intentions: Aligning Goals with Values

Yoga forced me to slow down and reflect, guiding me to align my goals with my values better. Previously, in group yoga settings, I often felt 'pressure' to compete and keep up with others. However, through practice, I've learned to focus inward, celebrate my progress, and not beat myself up when I don't have the strength to push myself. Off the mat, this intentionality has translated into regularly assessing MY professional goals and aligning them with MY core values. I get some of my best ideas in the middle of a yoga flow now. I've developed more effective habits by integrating mindfulness into my daily approach.

Where are you on your self-leadership journey? Could mind-body practices help you align your actions and intentions?

Join our next #PeopleBeforeStrategy Roundtable, where we will discuss why traditional leadership development sometimes misses the mark. The July Roundtable will be an opportunity to learn from two incredible guest speakers and engage in a meaningful conversation. Whether you're an L&D professional or a senior leader, this roundtable will provide valuable insights. Register now (here) and bring a friend.