Yoga and Beliefs

Have you ever heard the phrase: first we shape our beliefs and then our beliefs shape us?? As I dive into the intersection of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, I discover corollaries in mind-science studies like the Dr. Alia Crum’s exercise experiment for mindset studies and belief effects.? Dr. Alia Crum of Stanford tracked groups of hotel cleaning crews. One group performed their normal tasks of making beds and mopping while another group executed those same tasks with the added instruction from Dr. Crum that “cleaning hotel rooms” burned calories and qualified as exercise.? The group, with the expectation that each action counted as exercise, improved heart health and muscle tone. In contrast, the group, who never received the instruction, remained the same.? Instruction created belief and expectation made the difference.

Under my guidance, my yoga students cultivate a belief and expectation of health when they turn on their computers for zoom yoga to stretch and breathe.? As they learn the poses, I support them through achievable goals and gentle encouragement. Consequently, we stretch the mind before we stretch the hamstrings. Students go beyond their limited self-beliefs to try something new.? As I imagineer (imagine + engineer) my students’ bodies and minds, I patiently and methodically instruct yoga sequencing to plant those beliefs.? Those with regular attendance change their bodies and their minds.

During the pandemic, I created a zoom chair yoga class to keep students, ranging from 65-83 years old, safe and strong.? Even though I am not in Washington, DC or NY or California, I built the expectation that spending 60 minutes with me every Saturday will improve core strength, balance, and coordination.? For example, I believe that those who attend class regularly, will eventually do boat pose and lift their feet from the ground.? I witness changes in people who might seem too old to improve.? They grow stronger.? They do boat pose. Their core improves.? They have better balance.

My lived experience informs my instruction.? Once upon a time, while I was a journalist, I imagined myself as an attorney.? I held that thought and took the LSAT, applied to Tulane, passed the New York Bar Exam, and started working for the City of New York.? Everything began with that one image, thought, and belief that I could do it.? I had so much help along the path.? I am eternally grateful.? After paying down hundreds of thousands of student debt, I imagined teaching yoga full time.? I imagined teaching while my master teacher, Sarah Willis, guided me. Everything began with a thought.? I have reinvented myself three times over 30 years.? You can do it, too! I specialize in transformation of body, mind and career using yoga principles.? If you need help, reach out.? I believe in you!?

Nicole Payseur, the Yoga Diva

www.omyogadiva.com