I’ve been going to yoga classes for several years, but I’m not sure I ever really “got it”.

Sure, I enjoyed being active, taking time out for myself and meeting with a group of likeminded people. But I wasn’t channelling inner peace, enlightenment, or any of those other wonderful things that serious yogis rave about.

Then, a few weekends ago I found myself at a yoga retreat. As well as physical practice, the day was filled with meditation, journalling exercises, and even a mindful walk around a nearby lake. Something clicked.

I’m not sure whether it was spending a full day devoted to yoga rather than just an hour, the mindset work we did, or simply a case of “right place, right time”. Whatever the reason, I began to appreciate the more mindful, spiritual and emotional side of yoga.

I also realised that these benefits extended beyond my practice on the mat. I could apply the same principles to my work and improve my writing.

So, I thought I’d share a few of these insights with you. Channelling your inner yogi could be just what you need to take your writing to the next level.

1. Set an intention

Writing without a clear purpose in mind is a bit like setting off on a journey without a destination. You could end up somewhere you have no interest in being and it might take you a long time to get back to where you want to be.

For many people, a yoga practice starts with setting an intention. I like to bring awareness to the quality I’d want to cultivate by spending time on the mat, be that self-awareness, a sense of calm, or gratitude. This guides my practice and gives me a clear purpose for the session.

Similarly, defining your intention – or goals – when writing, could help you create a well-structured piece that resonates with your target audience and sends a consistent message.

It might help you to think about:

• Who you’re writing for
• One key message you want to send
• The action you want your reader to take.

Writing with intention in this way is essential if you want to create engaging content that strikes the right chord with your readers.

2. Create a connection

Yoga practice isn’t just about the physical act of performing a perfect downward dog or mastering that complicated double-bind. It’s also about building a spiritual and emotional connection with yourself and others.

This requires empathy. When I’m on the mat, I try to pick up on the vibe in the room and find some level of connection with my fellow yogis.

Getting inside your readers’ heads could also help you write outstanding copy. You need to write with an audience in mind (see point one).

What are your readers interested in? What are their challenges and pain points? What do they need or want from your blog, social media post, or newsletter?

The best writers create content that their readers can connect with. You can do this not only by thinking carefully about what you write but also, how you write:

• Talk to the reader rather than at them. This means referencing “you” and “your” rather than “some people”.
• Use the active voice, instead of a passive one. For example, “the government changed the tax rules”, rather than, “the tax rules were changed”.
• Incorporate relatable human-interest stories and examples. This is especially important when describing complex or “boring” topics.
• Use the appropriate language and tone that will engage your target audience. Technical jargon is often best avoided, unless you’re talking to professional readers who really know their stuff.

Clients and prospects who feel a connection with you and your firm are much more likely to stick around and listen to what you have to say.

3. Build rhythm and flow

It took me a while to find a yoga teacher I really loved. Every yogi has their own preferences and style, so it’s no surprise that not every class is the right fit.

My current teacher is a master storyteller. Each session, she guides us through a sequence of movements that build to a “peak pose”. This creates a rhythm and flow that prepares us for our final challenge.

Likewise, compelling writing takes the reader on a journey.

Whatever format you’re writing in, be it a long-form article or a short social media post, tell a story that flows seamlessly from beginning to end.

Here are a few tips and tricks that might help:

• Use language that’s easy to read. Avoid jargon where possible even if writing about technical topics.
• Structure your writing with care. Use a logical order and make sure the length of your piece is suitable for its intended purpose.
• Use transition words and phrases to create flow. Such as “however”, “additionally”, and “yet”.
• Vary the length and style of your sentences. This may help to maintain rhythm and interest.

The reader should flow through your content like an accomplished yogi moves through a vinyasa.

Get in touch

If you’ve yet to find your inner yogi and need a little help to write great content, contact us at hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or call 0115 8965 300.

Our team of expert copywriters can create bespoke content that engages and informs your clients and prospects.