Yoga for suits

“Why yoga for suits? In my New York City practice, I find that most of my private clients are ‘Suits’: corporate types who have climbed the ladder of success brilliantly but are usually in desperate need of stretching.
I love teaching these Suits and make it clear to all of them that Yoga needs to be a steady, frequent and (ideally) daily practice.
Although caffeine can jolt you awake, it can also leave your mind feeling frenzied. Yoga, on the other hand, can revitalise you, while leaving your mind calm and clear. Having a sense of calm during the workday is a tremendous boost. The clearer your mind, the easier it is to do good work and make good choices. Everyone is more effective when relaxed. Even beyond that, the relaxation you radiate has a positive effect on everyone around you which benefits all of your relationships. Working with the body through Yoga can clear the mind, help you reconnect with your spirit and make your interactions with everyone on your path a lot more peaceful...
Instead of just plonking down in your chair and plunging into work, give yourself a few moments as you turn on the computer to do your own personal ‘Power On’ for the day. While your computer goes through all its restart motions, make sure that you’re ‘restarting’ as well.
Try to view the day ahead with fresh eyes. Don’t focus on yesterday’s difficulties or what’s looming ahead on your monthly planner. Instead, as your computer is revving up, make sure you realise that today is an entirely different day from yesterday. Allow the possibility of a fresh attitude - a personal ‘restart’ if you will through a few centring deep breaths before you tackle any work.
As you bring your awareness to your breath, remembering to inhale and exhale through the nostrils, decide on your personal focus for the day. Spend a few moments visualising what effect you want to create in the world beyond what you have to accomplish and what your boss and staff expect from you.
In the end, most of what needs to be accomplished will get done. It’s the attitude and spirit behind the work that matters most...

The article continues to outline several easily undertaken exercises that can fit into the busiest schedule, along with the benefits of each. It is reproduced courtesy of YOGA FOR SUITS by Edward Vilga and published by Perseus Books.A available on SPECIAL OFFER to Yoga & Health readers. See page 33 of the January 2007 issue.