“Silencio, Bruno!” to Celebrate International Yoga Day
Today is International Yoga Day so I celebrated by going running. Then I did a yoga/pilates/cardio routine. And just like I do everyday, I practiced a series of mindfulness techniques.
See, yoga is about calming the chatter in your head so you can get out of your own way to practice mindfulness and reach a higher consciousness.
When I run, I feel free. It is peaceful. I connect to my breath, feel my feet on the ground, observe nature, and it feels spacious. So your “yoga” practice does not have to be an asana practice, but the practice that allows you to let go (of your ego and your emotions) and connect to your intuition – your gut instinct, and come to a place of calm.
What does this have to do with Bruno?
My son and I watched the new Pixar movie, “Luca,” and we loved how the main character learns how to silence his saboteur or inner critic by yelling out “Silencio, Bruno.” This helps him learn how to trust his gut, overcome his fears, and listen to his intuition to get out of his own way and go for what he really wants. It is a sweet movie about compassion and learning how to see others with empathy instead of with judgment.
So, in honor of International Yoga Day, I invite you to practice more empathy starting with yourself. What is one way you can notice your saboteur and then choose to stop the chatter in your head, listen to your gut, and appreciate each of your experiences with discernment rather than judgment?
Here are five ideas for you to try.
Once an hour, close your eyes and count just one breath in for four and out for four. Most meditation practices fail because it is hard to create the habit of meditation. But, could you notice your breath – just one breath – once an hour? How about each morning when you wake up or right after you brush your teeth?
2. Be in nature – walk, run, bike, dance, or sit and notice what you see and hear. Use this time to practice gratitude for what is there in the moment.
3. Find your own version of “Silencio, Bruno!” to quiet the chatter in your head. What would you choose for your mantra? Sometimes, when I start to put too much effort on things that are not that important, I say out loud “not now” and then shift my focus back to what is most important.
4. Try a yoga asana class. It helps you connect to your breath, build strength and stability, and leaves you feeling good. Join me for a yoga class!
5. Practice Positive Intelligence and create space for better relationships, increased well-being and creativity, and peak performance. Learn more about my Positive Intelligence 7-week group coaching program.
A special shout-out to Marc Holzman and his Sunday morning yoga nidra class that donated to Yoga Gives Back.
Learn more and donate. Join One Million Yogis who are giving back to India.
“The United Nations proclaimed June 21 as International Yoga Day to recognize the global impact of this ancient practice. This is the perfect time to express our gratitude for the gift of yoga that enriches our lives, especially during this time. It is our goal to mobilize a community of #OneMillionYogis worldwide.”