Research Paper: Yoga- A Complementary Approach To Coaching

2. Single mindedness of purpose:

This helps one become aware of one’s purpose, focus, the distractions that interfere with the focus and to be conscious of the inner and outer resistance including limiting beliefs.

Asana:                                     DhanurAsana or the Bow pose

Description:                             Lying face down, the hands are brought back to hold the ankles. As the chest, head and legs lift up, the movement suggests the tensing of a bow, bent and aimed at the target

Symbolism:                             Bow, aiming for the target

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Language of the Body	Language of the Mind
Positioning, stretching, holding, tensing,bending backward, releasing	Are you clear about your purpose? How much do you want to stretch for the target? Are you collected and ready to aim for your purpose? How much are you willing to bend backwards to achieve your purpose? Do you sense the focus in your purpose, at the same time, are you relaxed enough not to offer resistance?

 3. Knowing one’s innate strengths:

The purpose is to be deeply aware of one’s innate strengths so as to derive confidence and power from within.

Asana:                                    BhujangAsana or the cobra pose

Description:                            From a downward facing position, the chest, head and hands are slowly raised with palms facing down

Symbolism:                             The raising of the cobra’s hood

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Language of the Body	Language of the Mind
Rising up, conscious of the strength in thespine, connected to the ground, poised to act,slow and smooth movement, resting and risingagain	What are my innate strengths that I bring to bear? How can I develop these and bring them to the fore? How can I overcome my self-doubt to move forward? How does it feel to display my strengths? What do I have to shed of the old to let the new being in me emerge?

4. Clarity of Vision:

This refers to single-pointedness, focus, clarity, steadiness and being aware of disempowering perspectives that cloud vision.

Asana:                                    GarudAsana or the eagle pose

Description:                             The left leg is bent slightly, the right leg is wrapped over the left thigh and the toes tucked around the calf. The hands are spread out and brought together locked.

Symbolism:                             The might and power of the mythical Garuda or eagle

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Language of the Body	Language of the Mind
Coming into position to get a clear view,balance, strength, concentration, steadiness	How can I bring steadiness into my perspective? How does a bird’s eye-view of the situation help me see the situation better? Can I penetrate through to the essence of the situation amidst all that is happening here? Are events of the past and my view of the future impacting my perspective? How does clarity of vision help me in achieving balance?

5. Living in the Present Moment:

The purpose is to bring an awareness of this present moment, of alertness and the flexibility to leave the past behind and ignore any projection into the future and thereby stay in balance.

Asana:                                    Ardha MatsyendraAsana or the Spinal Twist

Description:                            The body is twisted in a sitting position; the right leg is on the floor and bent so that the right foot is outside of the back. The left leg is bent and upright with the foot on the outside of the right thigh. The left knee is twisted, the right arm brought to the outside of the leg, holding on to the instep. Then the left arm is taken around the waist and the head turned to the left.

Symbolism:                             Twisted body but erect, firm spine

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Language of the Body	Language of the Mind
Turning and twisting, erect spine, twisted yetfirm and deliberate, seeing the balance and thealertness in the twist	How flexible is my mind? Can I bend your mind without feeling pushed or pulled? What prevents me from adapting? Where is the pain coming from- the past or the future? Am I twisting the past or the future to deal with the situation? How do I stay focused in the ‘now’?