A decade after I began hatha yoga, I began practicing public speaking by joining a Washington, DC area Toastmasters club. Yoga dates back at least 5,000 years; Toastmasters International is only about 80 years old.
That distinction aside, hatha yoga and public speaking share some important characteristics. Both are disciplines requiring commitment and regular practice to progress and develop mastery. Each also requires that you stretch beyond your comfort zone and increase your flexibility.
Although I have cautioned you to never push or strain to the point of any pain when performing a yoga pose, you should increase your stretches over time in increments. By doing so, you will eventually achieve poses that seemed near impossible during your first attempts.
Likewise, speaking dynamically and comfortably before an audience of 100 people when you are a public speaking can be more than you could possibly imagine yourself ever doing. But, ongoing practice and gaining additional speaking skills over time will enable you to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your skills base and establish rapport in front of all types and sizes of audiences.
Consistent practice of yoga poses leads to oneness of mind, body, and spirit. Regular practice of public speaking (in Toastmasters or other venues) enables you to enhance your rapport with an audience and your enjoyment of sharing ideas. Both disciplines also involve focused breathing. In yoga, you try to link your breath with each movement which results in attentive, controlled breathing. In public speaking, focusing on deep, slow breathing patterns enables you to speak with resonance and modulation and enables you to overcome stage fright. Developing skills in both yoga and public speaking enhances your life all around.
Serenely yours,
Laura V. Rodriguez
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