When it comes to success, good communication is essential. Whether you’re running your own company, trying to rise in the corporate world, or raising your children, being able to communicate effectively is the key to success. Whilst most of us understand this, it’s not uncommon to find achieving it a little tricky. Thankfully, there is a range of simple ways to better your communication skills. In this article, we explore the connection between yoga and communication. Before using yoga to improve communication, it’s important to pick up some lightweight yoga tops to keep you comfortable when practising.
What is Good Communication?
To achieve good communication, it’s important to understand exactly what it is. When holding a conversa-tion, good communication has not been achieved unless the person you’re talking to is able to understand the complete message.
Many people think that the sender is responsible for good communication. While this is true to an extent, the receiver is also responsible for understanding the message. Learning to listen to others is a vital part of communication, too. When used correctly, yoga can help us to send, receive, and understand messages.
How Can Yoga Improve Communication?
Now we’ve explained the importance of communication, let’s look into how it can be improved with yoga. Many people regard yoga as merely a form of exercise, so how can the holistic therapy help you to express yourself?
To achieve good communication, it’s important to learn when to speak and when to hold your tongue. Yoga teaches us to think before we speak and not after. Learning how to reflect on your thoughts before letting them out allows you to ensure what you’re saying is meaningful. Additionally, yoga teaches us the importance of a calm mind. When we’re feeling stressed, it’s not uncommon to say things that we later regret. Learning to relax the mind before speaking will ensure your communication is well thought out and articulated.
Some yogis believe that cleansing the throat chakra can improve communication. Regarded as the centre of communication, the throat chakra helps us to speak our heart and mind. If your communication isn’t as good as it usually is, you may have an energetic blockage in the chakra. Thankfully, there is a range of sim-ple poses to cleanse the throat chakra.
Postures to Improve Communication
Plough Pose
Plough Pose is a great asana for those looking to improve communication. To practice the posture, lie down flat on your back. Place your hands on your lower back for support and lift your lower body away from the mat. Finally, ensure that your body is balanced and remove your hands. You are in Plough Pose. Hold the asana for around 30 seconds before lowering yourself back to the mat.
Shoulder Stand
Flushing the neck and throat with fresh blood, Shoulder Stand cleanses the throat Chakra. Additionally, the posture cleanses the ears. This can be beneficial for those who struggle to listen. To practice the asana, begin in Plough Pose. From there, bend your arms and place your hands on your lower back with your fingers facing upward. At this stage, ensure your elbows remain shoulder-width apart. Next, use your abdominal muscles to lift your feet off the mat and toward the ceiling. If you struggle with this step, try lifting your legs one at a time. Finally, straighten your body to ensure your hips, shoulders, and feet are aligned. You are in Shoulder Stand. Hold the posture for 30 seconds before lowering yourself back down to the ground.
Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose is another great posture for improving communication. As you bend, the posture gently com-presses the body; as your release the stretch, fresh blood flows through the body to cleanse your system. In addition to cleansing the chakras, this pose can also promote calmness and tranquillity in the body. To practice this asana, start by laying on your back with your knees bent. At this stage, keep the soles of your feet touching the ground. Relax your arms and let them drop carefully to the sides of your body. Tuck your chin into your chest and lift your buttocks and back off the floor to create a bridge. You are in Bridge Pose. Hold for 15 seconds before lowering your back and buttocks back down to the ground.
Mountain Pose
Encouraging the body to relax, Mountain Pose can improve communication. To practice the asana, stand tall upon your mat. If possible, minimise the tension placed on your leg muscles. Using your abdominal muscles, bring your pelvis forward. At this stage, your ankles, hips, and knees should be aligned. Finally, draw your shoulder blades back and down and hang your arms beside your body. You are in Mountain Pose. Hold the asana for 30 seconds whilst breathing deeply.
Lions Breath
To communicate effectively, it’s important to remain calm. If you’re feeling stressed, practising a deep breathing exercise can help relax the body and mind. When it comes to good communication, Lions Breath is an effective technique. Not only does the exercise promote calmness, it simultaneously cleanses the throat chakra.
Lion’s breath encourages a sudden release or breath and invites a little playfulness into the practice. As one of the most fun breathing practices, it can be used by people of all ages – even children. To practice Lion’s Breath, start by inhaling deeply through your nose. Next, lean your head back and open your mouth as wide as you can. When it’s time to exhale, breathe out loudly while sticking your tongue out. If your surroundings permit it, trying to make a ‘roaring’ sound as you exhale. To accentuate the calming effect, raise your arms up as your inhale to form cactus arms.
In Summary
Whether you’re hoping to become a better speaker or you’re more interested in improving your listening skills, practice the postures above to achieve your goal. If you’re planning to attend a local class, it’s worth picking up your own equipment. If you struggle to calm your mind, consider purchasing a love tuner neck-lace. Best described as a single tone flute, this yoga tool will help you to achieve the right mindset.