~ JENNIFER D. CULVER, CPC ~ Jentle Yoga & Life Coaching Spiritual Leadership

Jennifer is an expert author with bizymoms.com. Here is her latest article (link and full article) under Business Management…

http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice/Article/Living-Yoga-Philosophy–Thriving-Off-the-Mat-in-the-Workplace-and-Life/171239

Living Yoga Philosophy: Thriving Off the Mat in the Workplace and Life

By: Jennifer Culver

We know yoga as the physical (asana) practice. We know yoga as a breathing (pranayama) practice. Are you aware of yoga as a mental, emotional, and spiritual practice? When I was a beginner yogi, I didn’t fully understand when my teachers would say “yoga has so little to do with the physical postures”. So then why were the poses so difficult? As a yoga instructor, I’ve come to learn so much more about the yoga practice and the life and workplace application of the yoga philosophy.
Flexibility is one key component. Where the flexibility appears to begin with the body actually originates with the mind. The body can and will do so much more when we relax, breathe, and stretch ourselves (not just physical stretching.) This is one aspect of thriving while living the yoga philosophy.

Yoga philosophy isn’t a religion, but a spiritual expansion of our consciousness. It’s embodying the positive energies around us and connecting with our core and higher self for peace, harmony and balance. Like a chiropractic adjustment, it aligns our mind, body, and spirit.

A few benefits of living according to the yoga philosophies (sutras) is a decrease in ego and an increase in a positive attitude, productivity, happiness and good health (to name a few.) It brings awareness and clarity to our thoughts, actions, and words. I take clients through a self-awareness exercise, looking at these both personally and professionally. Oftentimes we begin with a specific professional challenge (ex: trying to thrive alongside egotistical, money-hungry people in the workplace) and it moves into a deeper seeded core value. We work at the core and shift certain non-serving energies and values to bring balance, harmony and peace to the mind, body and soul. From there my client has the ability to apply these same principles to all aspects of his/her life – especially in the workplace.

Attitude is a key component. The Yoga Sutras (philosophies) focus considerably on the attitude towards our environment (yamas) and attitude towards oneself (niyamas). These are the key areas of personal development within my coaching program with clients titled “Living Yoga Philosophies: Thriving Off the Mat in the Workplace and Life.”

Frequently, yoga students who are professionals in the workplace find themselves in a tug-and-pull situation. They love the relaxed, mindful and full breathing state they experience on the mat during their physical yoga practice. These professionals seek yoga to de-stress, calm and heal the mind and body. They then walk into the workplace and it’s like the wall of negative and/or ego energy hits them in the face. They energetically and physically feel the disparity between the two experiences. Their chest tightens, the forehead hurts (headache) and/or they feel discomfort in the pit of their stomach. Their chakras (energy centers in the body) react, providing clues with the discomfort. Over time, they recognize that something has to change. Is it a new employer? Is it a new position within the current organization? Is it a new career altogether? Is it a new perspective and way of life? It depends on the individual. But considerable time is spent addressing the situation for the growth, peace, happiness and health of the client. It’s about clearing the obstacles – personally and professionally – by reviewing what he/she is attracting and paying attention to, along with identifying the client’s distractions. I coach the client with directing his/her mind with clarity and focus. These tools are also applicable for family and life application. It’s a core development that positively changes the client’s entire world – all for the greater good.

The core message (and my common tagline) is “Be positively different: Decrease ego, rules and conditions to increase love, happiness, health and productivity.” Identify your greatest opportunities and reaffirm your greatest assets. Give and receive truth and freedom by bringing ease to the workplace and life. Create a “non-judgment” plan. Identify your truth and remove the fear. Simplify your life and work environment (even as a work-from-home sole proprietor.) Observe and cleanse your mind, body and soul. Awaken your soul within, increase your faith and increase your vitality. Bring positive energy to your mental, physical and spiritual health. Breathe, meditate and just be. Bring happiness, growth and productivity into your consciousness and then assist and/or watch it naturally spill over with your team/peers, your leadership team and/or your business partners. Be the change. “Thrive off the mat in the workplace and life by living the yoga philosophy.”

Flow for the “Zen of it.” Namaste

Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice

Jennifer Culver, CPC – a.k.a. “Jentle Jen” – is a certified professional coach, yoga instructor, business consultant and reiki master for entrepreneurs, executives and managers. She is an expert author for several online self-help blogs and article directories, with an emphasis in following your passion, spirituality, and holistic wellness; personally and professionally. “Be Positively Different: Decrease ego, rules and conditions to increase love, happiness, health and productivity.”