Yoga and communication

If I told you that these two words are connected, would you take my words for it? 

With years of regular yoga practice, I now see the connection between these two words because there are not just words anymore; they are part of my experience. 

When I think of these two words together, what comes to mind is clarity of vision and speech—conviction in action and almost unending inner strength.

Yoga is about deep breathing and slow movement to warm muscles, increase blood flow, and build strength.

When the body is relaxed, the mind is calm, and the speech is more articulate.

Patricia Flores, a doctoral student in rhetoric and composition studies, states from a recent study that there are five categories in which yoga can improve a person’s well-being and therefore enhance interpersonal communication:

• Mindfulness

• The self

• Acceptance

• Personal growth

• Patience

All of the above improves our ability to stay present about what’s happening around us. When we are fully present, we are more connected to the people we are conversing with.

Now, in reverse, if you ask, “Can clear communication benefit my yoga practice?”

Yes, because when we are clear-minded, entertain positive thoughts, and are deeply connected in our relationships, we show up to our yoga practice much more relaxed and present to our bodies.

In addition, yoga means union, and clear communication means deeper connection; therefore, we cannot separate the two as they both support more extraordinary abilities to relate to the self and others.

So does it take two to tango?

Absolutely! I invite you to self-reflect on how your daily asanas (poses) and enhanced communication skills could carry you across life’s challenges and relationships as the two central pillars of your well-being.

Written by Sophie Parienti.