At Ecolibrium, we help organisations achieve sustainable prosperity – a harmonious balance between people, the planet and profit. Like our mission, the ancient practice of yoga seeks to create a balance between the mind, body, and soul.

Today let’s explore the profound connection between yoga and sustainable prosperity in the business world.

The origins of yoga can be traced back to northern India over 5,000 years ago when the term was first mentioned in sacred texts called the Rig Veda. Despite having originated many centuries ago, its teachings can still be applied in today’s times – the ‘decisive decade’ and celebrated worldwide on 21st June every year. Incorporating yoga philosophy into our daily lives can lead to sustainable prosperity for us as individuals and society as a whole.

The Essence of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras…

Compiled approximately 2,000 years ago, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras provide a comprehensive guide to reaching inner peace, self-realisation, and liberation to live a sustainable life.

The text encompasses 8 pillars of yoga, which can be applied to various aspects, including the business realm. Integrating these timeless teachings can also create a balance between our well-being, ethical business practices, and the preservation of our planet.

Let’s delve deeper into the Ashtanga yoga path!

Yamas: The moral principles that guide us in ethical conduct. By embracing concepts like non-violence (ahimsa) and honesty (satya), organisations can foster trust, integrity, and sustainable stakeholder relationships, leading to long-term success.

Niyamas: This encourages self-discipline and personal growth. Self-reflection (svadhyaya) and contentment (santosha) enable individuals to find career fulfilment, nurturing sustainable prosperity – personally and professionally.

Asanas: The postures of yoga (asanas) promote physical well-being and vitality. Including yoga practices in the workplace, such as ergonomic exercises and mindfulness breaks, enhances employee health and productivity – contributing to a thriving work environment.

Pranayama: It focuses on breathing control, optimising the flow of life force energy. These breathing techniques in business settings can cultivate a calm and focused mindset, encouraging creativity, decision-making, and sustainable innovation.

Pratyahara: Pratyahara teaches the withdrawal of the senses, enabling individuals to detach from external distractions. By practising this, organisation leaders can make conscious choices that benefit people and the planet.

Dharana: Dharana emphasises concentration. Through mindfulness meditation and a clear vision of business goals, entrepreneurs can align their actions with purpose, driving sustainable growth and prosperity.

Dhyana: Also referred to as meditation, dhyana leads to deep inner peace and connection. In business, it enhances emotional intelligence, reduces stress, and encourages actions based on empathy, compassion, and consciousness.

Samadhi: The ultimate state of the blissful union and enlightenment! Although seemingly lofty in a business context, it represents integrating sustainable practices and values into an organisation’s core – positively impacting society and the environment.

As we celebrate International Yoga Day, let’s recognise that this philosophy extends far beyond the boundaries of the mat. It is a way of life guiding us towards a sustainable future.

We believe that embracing the practices of the Ashtanga path of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras has the potential to foster sustainable prosperity for individuals, organisations, and the planet. Not only can it transform the way we approach business, but it can also nurture our creativity, innovation and holistic objectives. And for Ecolibrium, this translates into helping organisations reach a harmonious balance between people, planet, and profit through our offering.

Author's Profile

‍The author, Karnica Singh, is the Director of Marketing at Ecolibrium, an Advanced Level Yoga Teacher, and a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach. As an engineer and MBA business executive, she once experienced the detrimental effects of stress and overwork, leading to an autoimmune breakdown. Through her journey of healing and transformation, she recognised the profound impact of holistic practices like yoga on overall well-being.

Today, she empowers individuals, entrepreneurs, and leaders to take charge of their health and achieve sustainable wellness goals. She firmly believes that by integrating principles from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, we can create a thriving business environment prioritising the well-being of individuals, society, and the planet.