By Maliha Balala | STC Member
What do you do when you are in a writing rut? How do you approach the “same old documentation” with a fresh approach and a clear eye? I find it helpful to create outlets, reflective spaces where I can tune in and bring that renewed energy into my professional writing life. For the past two years, Bikram yoga has provided one such transformative space for me. Bikram Choudhury devised an intense high cardio and powerful yoga. And as if the postures are not hard enough, he cranks up the heat in his studios and has you melting into a sweat puddle by the time the class is over. I enjoy the way a 90-minute session can completely reset me emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally.
What does all this have to do with writing? Whether you are looking to explore better mind-body connection or flex your writing muscles, here are 7 ways the practice of Bikram yoga and the writing process resonate with each other:
- Everyone can do it: In spite of the touted benefits of yoga, a lot of people have a misconception that it’s not for them. Add the heat and the intensity of Bikram yoga and I get a polite but firm “No thanks!” The reality is that Bikram yoga is healing for all body types. The key is to give yourself permission to get out of your comfort zone.
Similarly, a majority of people categorically claim “Writing is not for me” or variations of “I am not a writer” or “I am not good at expressing myself.” Again, the act of committing words to paper begins with allowing yourself to open up.
For technical communicators this could mean challenging yourself to write beyond technical content and explore more personal and creative pieces. Finding and experimenting with your inner voice will breathe new life into your professional work. - They both have a form: I began with the premise everyone can do it. The caveat is that both writing and yoga have a specific form. With practice, you will eventually earn a level of fluidity in your postures (asanas). The same goes with writing, as a craft the more you practice the easier it is to flow.
- Embrace “better” over “perfect”: There’s no such thing as perfect writing or a perfect asana. The goal is not perfection, but to incrementally improve both your writing and asanas as you practice and become more comfortable in your skin and skills.
- Not for the faint of heart: Some days, I stare at the screen in despair. Some days, my body feels like its resisting every single asana. The yoga feels tedious and hard as I will myself to bend and flex. The key is to keep showing up, for those other days, when your writing hums along and your body twists like a perfect pretzel, and the world is right again.
- Take breaks: The secret to having a good practice in yoga, is to fully be present during the built-in breaks. Stand still with your breath and resist the urge to fidget or guzzle water. The same goes with your writing. Take a break, refresh, come back, and review with a fresh set of eyes.
- Cultivating stillness: Both good writing and good yoga benefit from cultivating inner stillness. Set aside time every single day to shut down the noises around you, and embrace mindfulness. You will renew your energy, focus, and posture in all you do.
- The importance of mirrors and feedback: In Bikram yoga, you are facing the mirror for the most part and teachers routinely remind you that you are your own best teacher. That said, the teachers will also give you good tips and feedback on how you can improve. For writing, it is equally important to solicit feedback and reviews from other writers or co-workers.
Integrating any type of mindful movement will help to clear your head and approach the challenges of technical communication in novel ways. Explore what works best for you, and if by chance your interest is piqued by this article, check out a Bikram studio near you!
MALIHA BALALA works at WhirlWind Technologies, LLC as the Center of Excellence Manager. She also an avid Bikram Yoga fan. Have some thoughts you’d like to share? Feel free to email her at maliha.balala@gmail.com
