The Secret Sauce to Fuel Your Yoga Practice—and Life
Today, I wanted to talk about something that has transformed not only my yoga practice but really everything I do in life. It's what I like to call Priming the Brain.
This simple technique has been a game-changer for me, and I believe it can fuel your yoga practice or any other endeavor you’re pursuing. It's something I shared with my yoga trainees, who are now in their third week of training, after having fantastic classes last week with Kim and David.
Today, I shared something that I love to emphasize as a teacher and in my own practice: this one thing I do that motivates me and deepens my yoga every time.
So what’s the secret sauce? It’s all about priming your brain for positive outcomes—setting an intention or a mindset that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the benefits of your practice.
What Is Priming the Brain?
Priming the brain is essentially creating a positive mental framework before you start your yoga practice (or anything in life, really). It comes from the field of positive psychology, and it's been studied by psychologists like Martin Seligman. His research on positive mindset shows how much our attitude, thoughts, and mental framing can influence our results.
In one famous study, a group of housekeepers was split into two. One group was told that every time they cleaned, they were actually exercising and improving their health, while the other group wasn't told anything. The first group—primed with this positive idea—showed improvements in their health and even lost weight, while the second group saw no changes.
This study demonstrates the power of our thoughts in shaping our outcomes, even in ways we might not expect.
How I Use This in My Yoga Practice
Here’s how I use Priming the Brain in my yoga practice:
Before I go to class, or even while I’m in class doing poses, I actively think about what each pose is doing for my body. When I teach, I share this out loud with my students, but when I’m practicing, I keep it in my mind. This brings an intentionality to each pose and reminds me of the incredible benefits of yoga, which motivates me to go deeper into the practice.
For example, here are a few thoughts I run through when I’m practicing:
Half Moon opens up my spine and shoulders, creating more space and mobility.
Eagle Pose detoxes my liver and kidneys by compressing and releasing.
Wind Removing Pose flushes toxins from my colon and improves digestion.
Spine Twisting Pose creates space between my vertebrae, improving spinal health.
Cobra strengthens my lower back, relieving tension and preventing injury.
Camel and Rabbit Poses create both compression and extension in my spine, boosting flexibility and circulation.
Breath of Fire cleanses my digestive system and boosts metabolism.
Half Tortoise calms my nervous system, helping me feel more grounded and relaxed.
Each time I approach a pose this way, I’m not just going through the motions. I’m consciously focusing on the benefits of the pose, which primes my brain to stay motivated, present, and excited to practice.
The Unique Power of Yoga
In which other fitness or exercise class do we get to work on both the physical health and mental health benefits the way we do in yoga? Not many. That’s the beauty of yoga. Each pose is designed with an intentional benefit—whether it’s calming the mind, stretching the spine, or improving organ function—and when we bring awareness to this, it deepens our practice in ways that go beyond just the physical.
This idea of priming your brain can also be applied to life outside the studio. Whether you’re starting a new project, entering a meeting, or even going for a walk, setting a positive mental framework can make all the difference.
Next time you step onto your yoga mat, or even if you're not practicing yoga and just going about your day, try priming your brain. Think about what you’re about to do and focus on the benefits it’s bringing to your body, mind, and spirit. It’s a simple shift that can lead to profound results. You’ll not only feel more connected to your practice, but you’ll also feel more motivated to keep going, day after day.
Let’s keep this momentum going, yogis! Priming the brain is just one way to deepen our practice, but it’s a powerful one. I can't wait to explore more with you in our next class.
In the meantime, what do you do to motivate yourself in your yoga practice or in life?
Feel free to share your thoughts—I'd love to hear from you!
Namaste,
Sumit
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