3. Early Spiritual Leadership
Influences
Hindu culture practiced
Yoga thousands of years
ago
There are statues in yoga
postures dated back from
3000 B.C.
Different kinds of Yoga
have developed from this
5. "The traditional purpose of
Yoga, however, has always been to
bring about a profound transformation
in the person through the
transcendence of the ego," (Feuerstein
3)
6. Making a Connection
Stress Reduction
Improved Fitness
Management of
Chronic Conditions
Increase Self
Awareness
Inspire Others
9. Work on Bettering Oneself
Focusing on Oneself Controlling Others
Leads To: Leads to:
Controlling what we Authoritarian
do, act and feel-pushing Leadership
oneself
A lack of collaboration
Collect one’s thoughts
Lack of mutual respect
before facing a challenge
Collaboration on best No personal
practices development
Attentiveness to others
I would like to take the next five minutes to ignite thought into how our favorite leadership characteristics can be found in other areas of our life through some simple reflection. Specifically, I found that one my my favorite hobbies, yoga, integrates common leadership practices and is actually at the forefront of inspiring people to become better leaders.
Yoga is more than just a bunch of people in ridiculously poses. The word "Yoga" actually came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate.” It has evolved a lot since it’s beginning, and is surprisingly rooted from practices it objects.
There is no exact date in history when yoga began, but its origins were found in the East. The Hindu culture was encouraged by their spiritual leaders to practice yoga in order to get closer to finding harmony with their god.
It is interesting that Yoga’s began as a practice to fulfill the desires of the autonomous leader and god. However, with time, this desired enlightenment was able to be found within, and individuals were able to lead themselves into finding the desired harmony.
In present day, Yogahas various purposes such as stress relief, integration of action , emotion and intelligence and has various health benefits. But through study one can realize that it really does more. It creates a self-led union between a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness.
Beyond it’s authoritarian beginnings, yoga presently inspires leadership styles one might not consider. I would like to point out 3 commonalities between integrated leadership we’ve studied in class and the practice of yoga which may be present in other personal activities as well.
At the beginning of each yoga class, the instructor encourages all to find the purpose of your practice. To completely focus on the present moment and not worry about the outside world. One is able to empower themselves to ponder what is truly valuable to them and personally lead themselves to connecting back with one’s personal ethics and values.
This phrase is said at the end of every practice. Recognizing that we are all equal beings and share a common divinity. This idea is vital for those in leadership positions. We must realize that the support and acceptance of others and their ideals and goals will ultimately allow us to become more well-rounded leaders.
We can trace this search for purpose to our leadership positions. Just as people take yoga classes for different reasons, people take on leadership positions for various reasons as well, but ultimately, everyone practicing leadership is searching for an ultimate purpose within oneself.
Lastly, a yoga teacher inspires students and demonstrates practices, but instills a judgment free space without critique. Each individual class member collectively accomplishes sequences as a unit.
A leader inspires best practices as well, and celebrates all goals of members of a group. A leader has the privilege to unite and empower others.
This word cloud consists of all word spoken during a yoga class. Purpose, acceptance, flexibility and mindfulness are only a few words that can be used to describe an integrated leadership practice.
The cluster is basically synonymous with this cluster of words reflecting leadership. We need to be mindful of the core of leadership and yoga practices. This realization should allows us leaders to be more mindful of our purposes crave overall enlightenment.
This connection between leadership and yoga is not new. Political parties have launched campaigns based on yoga practice. Bill Clinton started yoga in order to help better his understanding of peace.
CEOS have stated that the practice has helped them better their company culture and work collaboratively within companies. It allows people to be happier, healthier and more mindful human beings, which ultimately helps them be better leaders.
It inspires positive change from within. People have overcome fears, stopped smoking, saved themselves from destructive behavior. But this presentation’s purpose isn’t to get everyone to start doing yoga with me.
But to search for these common practices in other areas of your life. Throughout the semester we have learned that leadership goes beyond it’s formal description.
Leadership skills can be acquired in various ways, they could possibly be taught or could be innate in you. But ultimately, there is this inner purpose that drives you to be the kind of leader that you are.
Reflect into one’s personal interests, hobbies and other extracurricular activities, why do you put time into these things? What is the purpose of these practices?
If we can all gain enlightenment and understand our purpose in various activities, whether it is baking, tweeting or on the yoga mat, leadership practices these purposes will follow.