It’s the century of most mind-blowing innovations, changes, and breakthroughs, and among them shines an urgent need for communication. Communication is the capability to articulate one’s opinions, ideas, thoughts, and feelings and convey them successfully. However, it’s more than a need of the hour; gone are the days when communication was limited to corporations, sales departments, and marketing gurus.
To make your mark, whether in a household setting or a high-end cabin, excellent communication leads to great opportunities. Yoga, in particular, is a great practice that can help you achieve just that.
You’re at the right place if you’re wondering how practising asana and pranayama on a yoga mat will enhance your communication skills.
Nevertheless, yoga is much more than what happens on the mat. Let’s find out together!
1. A hefty dose of self-confidence: Great communication relies heavily on confidence in the self. Think of all the great speakers & leaders you admire; they ooze a self-assured & graceful aura that draws people in and makes their opinions and thoughts highly impactful. Sri Sri Ravishankar ji talks are a great example of how self-confidence & grace make one a brilliant communicator.
Yoga helps you gain the confidence you need to communicate your ideas. For instance, adding a few rounds of Surya Namaskar and Pranayama to your everyday wellness routine can boost your confidence in yourself. You will notice how it begins as a burgeoning strength in the body, then in the mind, and finally in your life. The physical strength and mental clarity gained from these practices translate into a newfound self-assurance that shines through in your communication.
2. Mindfulness & Groundedness: One of the most miraculous benefits of yoga is that it keeps you rooted in the present moment. When you are fully present in the moment, new perspectives emerge. Your thoughts and ideas come through with a newfound clarity, and so does the ability to share them effectively. To put this in practice, make it a habit to start your work day or any vital project with 10 minutes of pranayama and 15 minutes of meditation. This will improve your mood and drastically impact how you present your thoughts in front of others.
This inner clarity is reflected in your external communication. Your words become more precise, your tone more resonant, and your ability to listen attentively sharpens. Starting your day with a brief yoga practice is like tuning a musical instrument before a performance. It ensures you’re able to express yourself with nuance and impact. Remember, effective communication isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you say it, and yoga can be your secret weapon for mastering that art.
3. Emotional Regulation: Anxiety, panic, and fears about connecting well with others result from an unregulated nervous system. Your mind and body find discomfort in managing emotions and thus conveying them effectively. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras contain a wealth of wisdom and insights into how to manage the overburdened mind. Additionally, yogic practices like Yoga Nidra, full yogic breathing, and meditation can rest your nervous system significantly, giving you the tools to cope with uneasy feelings healthily.
This emotional stability allows for clear and effective communication without being overwhelmed by emotions. Research suggests that yoga may be beneficial in alleviating the accompanying symptoms of obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and depression often experienced by individuals with anorexia nervosa.
4. Meaningful conversations: Great communication is two-sided, with equal parts of listening and sharing. However, in today’s fast-paced world, many need help to truly listen while waiting for their turn to lead and speak. Yoga‘s emphasis on mindfulness can be applied to active listening by entirely focusing on the speaker without interrupting or forming judgments.
Thus, regular yoga practice creates space for thoughtful conversations, fostering better communication in all areas of life. Being actively present without arriving at any harsh or harmful conclusions allows all the parties in the conversation to express their thoughts freely, which makes for brilliant communication.
5. Improved Physical Posture: An equally crucial facet of communication is nonverbal communication, which includes your facial expressions, body language, and, primarily, your posture. Imagine giving a presentation to the top executives in your industry, but you are slouching the entire time due to chronic lower back pain. This conveys discomfort and can easily undo all of your hard work.
Yoga improves posture and body awareness, which are crucial non-verbal communication aspects. Good posture can convey confidence and openness, while poor posture may indicate disinterest or discomfort. Research on young adults has found that consistent yoga can positively influence posture. A study published in the International Journal of Yoga demonstrated that a 10-week yoga program led to noticeable head, shoulder, and pelvic alignment improvements.
6. Voice Clarity: You’ve probably heard it before: your voice is your superpower. It can change minds, inspire hearts, and even spark revolutions. And guess what? Yoga can help you unlock that power! Chanting and reciting mantras during your practice is like giving your voice a workout. It’s incredible how this ancient practice can strengthen your speaking skills.
Specifically designed asanas, such as Ustrasana or Halasana, can balance and activate the throat chakra, improving vocal clarity and strength. Pranayama techniques, such as Ujjayi breathing, increase lung capacity and control over breath, supporting a steadier and more resonant voice. With a more robust and clearer voice, individuals can express themselves more effectively and confidently.
7. Conflict Resolution: Consistent Meditation and breathwork practices foster a deep self-awareness in one’s psyche. Discernment, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities are developed and strengthened, which are crucial aspects of communication.
Yoga also teaches the importance of non-attachment and letting go, which can be valuable in resolving conflicts. Gurdev also practises this. He has provided constructive and deeply resonant solutions and answers to various nations, cultures, and even world problems. This is the miracle of embodying yogic principles & practices!
A great communicator is also a great leader, problem-solver, and visionary. When you add yoga to the mix, you strengthen not just one skill but also create an unstoppable force.
Roll out your mats, or study Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras if you are in the mood for a deep dive. Either way, you’re taking the first step towards becoming a more confident, compelling, and connected individual.
