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The practice of yoga is meant to calm both the body and the mind. With slow movements and a focus on breath, we learn to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. Most often, we need to be calm enough to handle the stresses of daily life, regret over past actions, and worries about the future. It is easier than it sounds to think only of the present moment. Our minds wander quickly, and thoughts tend to “snowball” toward worst case scenarios. When our minds are in an anxious state and we forget about the present, we may notice our breath quickens and our heart beats faster. Whatever we are doing in the present is quickly forgotten.

To counter this snowball effect and to become calm and develop awareness, we must learn to be in the present. This starts with a focus on the breath. Yoga posturing is a physical practice of the body’s core and limbs, which work alongside the breath. In a Vinyasa style class, as students move from one position to the next, the yoga instructor will note whether to breathe in or out, for example: “breathe in, upward-facing dog, breathe out, downward-facing dog,” and so on. Breathing in this way with each posture allows the body to flow easier and gentler through the positions. This method is especially valuable for beginners who may feel that some of the movements are difficult to master at first. Adding the breath makes each position flow into the next and provides a fluidity that could not be achieved otherwise.

Additionally, controlled breathing helps practitioners to be present while they practice flowing through the postures (asanas). When you are thinking about breathing in and breathing out, you cannot also think about the fight you had with your sister last week or the yard work that needs to get done. The practice of yogic breathing teaches our students to be mindful. Being mindful means simply observing what is happening in the present moment; not trying to escape it by thinking of the past or future and not criticizing it, but simply observing it.

Here’s an Easy Way to Explain it to Your Students

We think too much as humans, and our minds need a rest from our racing thoughts, so as you breathe in and then out and move from upward-facing dog into downward-facing dog, for example, think to yourself: “I am breathing in, upward-facing dog, I am breathing out, downward-facing dog.” These are not random thoughts, but observations of the present moment. You are being present. You are being mindful. You are in the here and now, aware of others practicing alongside you, aware of the instructor’s voice, aware of the feel of the mat beneath you, your muscles as they stretch into position.

Remember, thinking about other moments in time is not bad. We must be able to learn from the past and plan for the future; but we must not forget the most important time: the present.

The Yogic Concept: I Am

The concept of “I am” is meant to help those who are participating in an activity designed to develop the mind’s focus, in order to participate in meditation successfully. It is essential that anyone who is interested in pursuing yoga understand that the practice will not be as fulfilling, unless the mind is trained.The “I am” concept is designed to help the student better focus on the self. More importantly, it is vital that the only sense of focus be in the moment, rather than allowing the mind to race from one thought to the next. In order for yogic methodology to work well within the human body, as well as the mind, it is imperative that the student learn how to successfully deal with the stresses that normally occur throughout daily life. Otherwise, it would be virtually impossible to focus on the Eight Limbs of Patanjali’s teachings (The Yoga Sutras).

Students who are practicing yoga must be able to focus on the body and control the thoughts of the mind while they are engaged in yogic practices. It is essential to control the breath and steady the mind long enough to allow one to reach a state of self-realization. Otherwise the student is merely going through the motions without any real concept of the deeper meaning of practicing yoga. In order to maximize the benefits that can come from its practice, students alike must make a conscious effort to remain focused in their thoughts.

In its purest form, yoga is a meditative exercise involving mind, body, and spirit. It combines the most effective elements of its many methods to help students develop physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Many practitioners find that they are able to develop spiritually as a result of learning the “I am” concept and practicing it on a regular basis. The ability to center one’s mind and focus only on the here and now is one of the most important things that anyone can do to improve his or her overall health. In addition, a great deal of insight can be gained regarding an individual’s ability to excel in life, even in the face of challenges.

Are you frustrated with giving business presentations – and having your recommendations being ignored? Are you often cut off or interrupted by competitive peers or an impatient boss?

If you’ve had it with not getting the attention you deserve, you don’t have to take it anymore. Now, it’s easier than ever to get your ideas and suggestions noticed. Use your presence, body language and voice to command respect and get noticed.

Many professionals I coach are sick and tired of the run around they get when presenting to groups. Whether they present to funding committees, associations, or intact teams, the common complaint I hear is: “No one listens to me!”

Fortunately, you can gain confidence and skills in getting people to notice your ideas – and pay attention to what you have to say.

Take an instant inventory for yourself.

• Do your presentations seem to fall short of what you imagine?
• Do audience questions derail you — and you lose your train of thought?
• Do you talk and talk…but people still don’t seem to ‘get it’ even after you have explained your point again and again?

Most likely, there are some simple tactics that can solve this tendency to not get the respect you deserve.

In a brand new online course in Visual Storytelling, you can follow a step-by-step blueprint to get the attention you deserve. Telling persuasive stories is a lot more about following specific steps, than it is about your specific recommendations. 

Whether you decide this course is for you — or not, here are three tips to help you command attention:

Tip 1: Pause

Pause before you speak. Catch your breath. Hold yourself straight and tall. Professional speakers often use a pause to command attention. You can do the same thing. Use this tactic at the beginning of your talk.

But, while you’re at it – experiment with adding potent pauses during your presentation as well. Before you give a recommendation for action, add a pause. This signals to the group that you are in charge.

Tip 2: Stand Tall

Your body language communicates authority – especially when you stand and sit with confidence. In presentation coaching and training, body language is a crucial part – it is what your audience sees, feels and responds to.

By standing with leadership presence, you communicate that you are the authority in the room. Watch public speakers and notice how they do this naturally.

Tip 3: Project Your Voice

If you are mumbling your words, people assume you are not confident. They instantly assume you don’t have a well thought-out message.

The best way to project confident leadership is to project your voice. Speak as if you are communicating to the person in the last row. Share your ideas with enthusiasm and energy.

This can help you command respect with even a tough crowd.

Whether you are an experienced subject matter expert, or new on the job, you can learn how to communicate with authority and confidence.

When you speak, stand and communicate with authority, people will listen. Before you know it, you’ll get noticed and be able to command the respect you deserve. 

In the corporate world, presenters are crucial to closing a deal, establishing good relationships with other companies, influencing others to be part of the company, and many others. With these good advantages, it is important that a presenter possess superb qualities to achieve and enjoy the benefits it offers. The question is what these qualities are. In a study conducted for qualities of a skillful presenter, there are 28 qualities that emerged. Some of these qualities are listed below.

1. Confidence. A presenter should be confident in what he presents no matter his lack of knowledge. Oftentimes confidence exceeds knowledge so if you are to present, make sure you embody this quality.

2. Clarity. A presenter should be clear on the information he relays and should leave no doubt to his audience. This is the reason why it is important for every presenter to research what he would present and prepare for any questions that may be asked of him.

3. Commanding. A good presenter should be authoritative. He should know how to own the room in a way that every participant attentively listens to him and participates in every activity he asks.

4. Understandable. A good presenter should be understandable to his audience. This is actually a crucial part in presenting otherwise the whole goal of presenting is defeated.

5. Natural. A good presenter should be natural in a way that everything from the presentation or multimedia used to the delivery of the message is polished. This can be managed through constant practice of your presentation.

6. Credible. A good presenter should be credible in a way that he is convincing and believable to his audience.

7. Adept verbally and non-verbally. A good presenter should use great words and should show great tone, volume, and correct pacing. He should also be able to enunciate the words he is speaking. Also he should possess clear communication with body language. This includes body movements, gestures, posture, and facial expressions.

8. Animated. A good presenter should be animated in a way that he is lively and enthusiastic when presenting. There are different kinds of personalities that compose an audience. It is crucial that you should be able to learn to entertain each one of them to avoid getting them bored.

9. Relaxed. A good presenter should be relaxed and comfortable in what he does. A relaxed person is neither tense nor anxious.

10. Focused. A good presenter should be focused especially to the topic at hand. No matter the problems at home or at work, he should learn how to manage these worries for it not to show when he presents.