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Yoga Principles I Use While Editing

I love yoga. I love editing. And when I can relate the two, it makes me feel like everything in life is perfectly aligned. I have found that many philosophies I practice in yoga are applicable in my editing career, connecting and intertwining two things I adore. Here are five principles of yoga I also apply to my editing process.


A yoga studio with sun shining through the windows and mats laid out on the floor.

1. Always be a student

Always a student, never a master. This philosophy is prevalent in yoga because no matter how much you think you know, there is always something new to learn. The journey is one of constant growth and renewal. Whether it's diving into the philosophies and history of yoga or learning more about specific pose anatomy and benefits, no one will ever know everything there is to know about yoga, and yogis who remain students will find the most fulfilling practices.


The same is true for editing. Language is always changing and adapting; new technology is introduced; and processes change as the next generations dictate how we market, communicate, and view societal expectations. It's important to keep up with the ever-changing trends and shifts so you can serve your clients in the most relevant way possible.


A stack of smooth stones in a beachy area.

2. Find balance

One of the biggest lessons you learn in yoga is finding balance. Balance between strength and flexibility, balance of the asymmetries of your body, balance of yin and yang. It's not just about balancing postures, it's an all-encompassing theory of finding and maintaining balance in all things.


As an editor it's also necessary to practice balance. This can look like letting small peculiarities of the author's writing style slide while making sure to address the big ticket items, or leaving some semicolons in an oversaturated manuscript instead of removing all of them. Learning how to balance your own preferences with the inherent style of the work you're editing is a key factor of being a successful editor.


A man practicing a side-bend yoga pose on a yoga mat inside a house.

3. Be flexible

I'm not just talking about being able to touch your toes or put your leg behind your head. A huge part of yoga is learning to accept and adapt to your physical capabilities on any given day, because every day will be different. Each yoga practice brings a unique experience, and it's essential to be flexible and go with the flow.


This is important in editing too. Working with different authors will allow you to experience many different writing styles, and we should always be flexible to the writer's particular quirks, as long as they aren't doing any serious damage to the writing. As editors we should remember to let go of rigidity and be flexible with the small stuff.


Three yoga studios performing arial yoga in an indoor yoga studio.

4. Let go of expectations

Let it go. This mantra is often repeated in yoga practices, with good reason. Learning to let go of expectations in your yoga journey means you open yourself to possibilities you didn't even know existed. Letting go of thoughts about how a specific pose should look or feel, letting go of attachments to the outcome of your practice, and letting go of assumptions about your progress are all important lessons to be learned in yoga.


Letting go of expectations in editing can also be a tough pill to swallow, but it's so freeing when you're finally able to do so. If you can release any preconceived notions about needing to be perfect and catch every error, or give yourself grace if an edit is taking a little longer than you initially thought, or be open to learning new tips and tricks as you grow, you allow yourself to blossom into a competent, confident editor.


A woman taking a yoga pose in a circle of wood overlooking a scenic view with trees and a blue sky.

5. Trust (and enjoy) the process

Following letting go of expectations, learn to trust and enjoy the process. In a yoga practice, the more you're able to embrace the natural unfolding of the journey, the more you learn and experience. If you believe in yourself and you believe in the power of showing up consistently with an open mind and open heart, you'll be amazed at where your yoga can lead you.


During the editing process it's also important to find joy and have faith (no pun intended) in your own capabilities. While editing can feel repetitive and even mundane at times, most editors choose this profession because of a specific reason ... usually a love for the written word. You also have to trust that you know what you're doing so you're able to effectively communicate your suggestions to your client. If you can remember the reason you started a career in editing when the going gets tough, and if you remain confident in what you bring to the table, you can rest assured that your editing journey is taking you exactly where you're meant to go.


If you're a business owner looking to enhance your digital copy in order to boost customer engagement and build client trust, I can help! Send me a message and let's chat about how Put to the Proof Editing Solutions will help your business copy on its journey to be all it was meant to be.


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