Earlier this week, I had the privilege of teaching a one-off corporate class to ten senior male managers, none of whom had practised yoga before.
The session began inauspiciously; I arrived about 40 minutes late, as I was unable to find the venue, despite the aid of a Sat Nav and google maps (perhaps an old-fashioned road Atlas would have been a more sensible aid!).
About half way into the class, the mood tangibly lifted. I hope I wasn't imagining that the atmosphere felt far more relaxed, despite moans and groans prompted by a series of dynamic sun salutations and leg raises.
The transformation was incredible to see: from understandable irritation at my late arrival, and a mood of general low energy, to a collective feeling of lightness and relaxation.
For the hundredth time, yoga's profound ability to transform - even in the space of an hour - was amazing to see.
Over and above these personal reflections, bringing yoga into the workplace, where back problems and stress are epidemic, is an absolute no-brainer.
Only last month, we reported on positive new research investigating the efficacy of introducing corporate yoga (click here to read). Meanwhile, a new MIND report this month revealed the worrying extent of workplace depression and stress.
Our society as a whole, and employers specifically, can sit back and do nothing other than wait for the sick notes to roll in.
Or they can do as much as possible to equip their staff to cope with the dangerously stressful work environments many people endure, day in, day out.
In any truly sensible society, the decision (and will) to take the second path would be self-evident.
Lucia Cockcroft, editor
_0.jpg "Dancer Pose: Nataraja")
