Aumm Shanti, Shanti, Shantihi, Aummm!
These were the concluding 3 minutes of my class at the gym today. Being the international yoga day, our trainer ditched the regular Tabatha class, to do a yoga session with us. With our eyes closed, minds calm and body totally relaxed and charged up at the same time, I felt that my day would not have had a better start. A beautiful way to start the end of the week!
As I headed to work, I realised that just like Yoga, my profession also requires the same ingredient- total involvement of body, mind and soul. Unless this is present, it is impossible to deliver good results. And if I extrapolate it a little further, anything that we do needs this deep involvement. Indeed, yoga is a way of life.
Like Yoga, financial management is simple yet may seem complex if there is no proper understanding of the guiding principles and the intent underneath.
Here are my 5 take a ways from the Yoga mat onto my desk:
- Discipline:
When Maharishi Patanjali was asked, “What is yoga?” He replied, “Atha yoga anushasanam” which means- yoga is a form of discipline. In order to derive benefits of yoga, self- discipline is most important. So is true with respect to our finances. We need to inculcate financial discipline- how well we are able to conform our spending and saving to the plans that we have set to achieve your monetary goals.
- Mindfulness:
Influence of mind on body is more profound than that of body on mind. Physical training will be possible only if it is backed with positive mental attitude. In money management too, having the right attitude towards money, knowing its value, its virtue and vices, will give us better control over it. Being aware of our spending triggers, will go a long way in refining our money habits.
- Balance:
Every yoga posture emphasises on balance. And this balance is achieved with focus, dedication and persistence. With money too, we should be able to prioritise our needs, focus on what is important and be ready to review and improvise, so that we don’t go overboard with our spending.
- Persistence:
Also, yoga teaches to be fearless and brave and take up challenges as we move ahead in life. Just like a complex asana can intimidate us, taking a difficult financial decision can be challenging. But yoga teaches us to look beyond the difficulty and keep trying.
- Flexibility and strength:
With regular disciplined yoga practice, we have more flexibility, strength and enhanced balance. When we take charge of our financial life too, it gives us flexibility and strength to deal with whatever life springs upon us, with more ease and patience.