Navigating Leadership Brilliance Through the Koshas: Unveiling the Layers of Self

My dream is a world where humans flourish

Over the course of my career I have seen thriving businesses, fulfilled employees, fun at work but also failing businesses, resentful employees, and a lack of psychological safety. I have experienced joy, love, fulfillment but also challenges, hardship and grief.

Those experiences taught me that self-awareness paired with the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths is one of the key reasons why it is so challenging for people to awaken to their true Self. And the same holds true for sustainable change in the world, which cannot happen without authentic, soulful leadership.

One of the ways to dive deeper, unlock your inner abundance to flourish at home and at work, is through establishing self-awareness.

When self-awareness skills are actively employed, we see our reality as it is, not hidden behind a veil of wishful thinking or denial. Self-awareness allows us to make conscious choices: make changes or remain the same with full awareness of the consequences or find acceptance and peace of mind if change is not possible.

But how do you build your self-awareness?

As yogi and business leader, I couldn’t help but draw from the ancient practice of yoga and translate to modern leadership traits. I find that it is essential to explore the depth and interconnectedness of our being for effective and empowering leadership.

Drawing from 3000 year old wisdom, the Koshas or “Layers of Self” open a gateway into deep self-exploration layer by layer: physical, energetic, psycho-emotional, intuitive wisdom, and bliss.

We need to understand about the koshas, that we move from gross to subtle. From the physical body to the invisible, energy and bliss - our essence. Read more here, how this manifests in the yoga practice.

By understanding and embracing these layers, one can unlock a profound journey towards self-discovery, resilience, and authentic leadership.

1. Annamaya Kosha: The Physical Layer

The Annamaya Kosha represents the physical body, the tangible vessel that carries us through life. As modern moms and leaders, it is vital to prioritize physical well-being. Nurturing the body through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest forms the foundation for enduring leadership and presence.

2. Pranamaya Kosha: The Energetic Layer

Pranamaya Kosha encompasses the energy body, the life force that animates us. We can tap into this layer by cultivating mindfulness practices, breathwork or pranayama, and embracing positive energy. Harnessing this vitality enhances focus, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges with grace.

3. Manomaya Kosha: The Mental Layer

This layer delves into the realm of thoughts and emotions. As modern moms and leaders we benefit from cultivating a resilient mindset, managing stress, and fostering emotional intelligence. A balanced mental layer facilitates effective decision-making and empathetic leadership.

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha: The Wisdom Layer

Vijnanamaya Kosha connects us with inner wisdom and intuition. Modern mothers and leaders can enhance their decision-making abilities by tuning into this layer. Especially as mother, we are already more in tune with our intuition. Translating this capability into our role as leaders is the next layer to uncover. Trusting one’s instincts and embracing intuitive leadership fosters authenticity and a deeper connection with one’s purpose.

5. Anandamaya Kosha: The Blissful Layer

At the core of our being lies the Anandamaya Kosha, representing a state of bliss and joy. We can tap into this layer by aligning our actions with personal values, finding purpose, and creating a positive impact. Authentic leadership emanates from a place of fulfillment and joy.

Connecting the Koshas to Leadership:

1. Holistic Leadership

By recognizing and nurturing each Kosha, we can adopt a holistic approach to leadership, integrating physical, emotional, and mental well-being and inspire others to do the same.

2. Resilience

Understanding the energetic layer (Pranamaya Kosha) helps to build resilience, crucial for navigating the complexities of professional life and motherhood. Utilizing conscious breathing techniques go a long way.

3. Emotional Intelligence

The mental layer (Manomaya Kosha) encourages us to cultivate emotional intelligence, fostering better communication, collaboration and the ability to lead from a more human place at home and at work.

4. Intuitive Decision-Making

Embracing the wisdom layer (Vijnanamaya Kosha) allows us to trust our intuition, leading to more authentic and purpose-driven decision-making. Remember, in order to access your intuition and trust your intuition, you have to know how to quiet the noise and truly listen.

5. Fulfilling Leadership

Finally, connecting with the blissful layer (Anandamaya Kosha) enables us to lead with joy, purpose, and a profound sense of fulfillment. Getting to this state, is both in Yoga and Leadership hard work and easier with a teacher or coach who guides you through this journey. The Soulful Leadership Program will open its doors soon and offer an opportunity for the modern mom to tune into abundance in life and at work.

Incorporating the wisdom of the Koshas into leadership practices empowers women to lead not only with competence but also with authenticity, compassion, resilience, and a deep understanding of their multifaceted selves. As we unravel the layers within, we pave the way for transformative leadership that radiates brilliance in every aspect of life.

About the author

Miriam Lesa is a multi-dimensional certified soul & leadership coach for women, nutritionist, yoga teacher and business strategist, practicing the art of slow living since almost 10 years. Her heart is at the intersection between wellbeing, motherhood and business.

Attuned to corporate life and navigating C-Suite for more than 15 years, yet grounded in peace, intuition and connections, she is deeply passionate about supporting women, especially working moms to access their inner compass to ignite their strength and live a life in abundance.

Born and raised in Germany, Miriam now lives with her husband and son in Toronto since 2018.