DeAnna King, Certified Life Coach, Reiki Master & Yoga Teacher, ERYT-500, YACEP

I was editing my website, adding the tagline, “Find Your Inner Light:  Life Coaching, Personal Growth with a Yoga Mindset.” As I typed it out, it immediately reminded me of a question that I’ve heard many times, “What does it mean to have a “yoga mindset.” Sometimes I forget that people don’t really know what yoga is. I mean, how can you have a “yoga mindset” if yoga is just poses in a fitness class or a “relaxation class.” Having a yoga mindset goes beyond just the physical postures practiced on the mat. It’s about adopting the core principles and philosophies of yoga and integrating them into your daily life. 

In brief, here are some of the key aspects of a yoga mindset. A large part of the yoga practice is cultivating present-moment awareness and focusing on your breath and bodily sensations, both on and off the mat. In other words, you pay close attention to what is going on with your breath and inside your body. This allows you to approach situations with greater clarity and less reactivity. Another major practice is learning how to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, creating space for acceptance and self-compassion. You learn to let go of negativity and focus on the present. Yoga requires consistent practice and dedication. This translates to other areas of life, encouraging you to set goals and work towards them with perseverance. But you also have to learn to accept and embrace the idea that some things are beyond your control. You learn to accept challenges and imperfections with grace, focusing on what you can control – your thoughts, actions, and reactions. Gratitude is another important piece that often gets overlooked in some yoga practices. Cultivating an attitude of thankfulness for the good things in your life, big or small, fosters a sense of contentment and well-being. As yogis, we are always striving for a balanced and even state of mind, remaining calm and centered amidst life’s ups and downs. We practice Ahimsa (Non-violence), which is a practice of kindness and compassion towards yourself and others, both in words and actions. We also practice Aparigraha (Non-attachment), learning to let go of attachment to material possessions, outcomes, or expectations to bring a sense of liberation and inner peace. 

There is so much more to yoga than postures! It’s a philosophy, a way of life. Having a yoga mindset can benefit your daily life. Mindfulness and acceptance can help you manage stress more effectively. Being present allows you to hone in your concentration and focus on the task at hand without distractions. Non-judgmental communication and compassion lead to more fulfilling connections with others. Accepting challenges and maintaining equanimity helps you navigate life’s difficulties with grace and greater resilience. By observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment, you gain a deeper understanding of yourself. This increased self-awareness is the basis of personal growth.

Think of it like this,  building a yoga mindset is a lifelong adventure, not a quick fix. It’s about showing up for yourself regularly and checking in with your thoughts and feelings. By weaving these ideas into your everyday life, you’ll unlock a sense of inner calm, happiness, and a sunnier outlook on things. If you haven’t started this journey, you should definitely consider it! If you need assistance, I know a gal that can help! …it’s me!!!!

DeAnna King, Spiritual Life Coach & Yoga Teacher

(Certified Life Coach (CLC), Registered Yoga Teacher – 500 (RYT-500), Experienced Yoga Teacher – 200 (ERYT-200), Yoga Alliance Certified Education Provider (YACEP))

https://deannakinglifecoach.com/