For a while now I’ve wanted to talk about what ChatGPT means for our yoga and wellness community. There can be a knee jerk reaction to fear what some of these new AI technologies mean, but it’s important to understand how they work and how they can be used as I’m certain they aren’t going anywhere! 

Let’s start at the beginning, what is ChatGPT… I want to explain this in my own words and then I’ll give you how ChatGPT explains it. It’s an Artificial Intelligence tool that acts like Google on steroids, you can ask it questions and it will give you detailed answers, or you could ask it to write a blog, post or other content for you based on a simple or detailed brief. Now here’s what it tells me it is.

“ChatGPT is a type of computer program that has been trained to understand and generate human-like text. It's like having a virtual conversation with a computer that can understand what you're saying and respond in a way that makes sense. Think of it as a super-smart chatbot that can discuss a wide range of topics with you.”

Hopefully you’re with me.

Now I want to think about its application within our world, how can it help you?

And what should you be aware of?

The best way I want to show you this is by pulling real life examples of where it could be used so I’ll show you how it responds to requests for a social media post, a yoga nidra script and a retreat launch email.

Instagram Post

I asked ChatGPT to write me an Instagram post on a particular topic, here’s the query I asked:

“can you write me an instagram post in a friendly tone to tell my audience about "Five Yoga Poses to Help with Stiff Shoulders" and include yoga hashtags please”

This is what it came up with.

🧘‍♀️✨ Hey yogi fam! Ever feel those pesky shoulder knots after a long day? 🤔 Say goodbye to stiffness with these Five Yoga Poses for Happy Shoulders! 🙌 Swipe left and give them a try - your shoulders will thank you later! 🌈

• Child's Pose (Balasana): Find your zen and stretch those shoulders gently. 🧘‍♂️

• Thread the Needle: A little twist goes a long way in releasing tension. 🔄

• Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): The classic pose that works wonders for your entire upper body. 🐶

• Eagle Pose (Garudasana): Unleash your inner eagle and soar into shoulder relief! 🦅

• Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana): Embrace the cow face and feel the sweet stretch across your shoulders. 🐄

Tag a friend who could use some shoulder love and drop your favorite emoji if you're up for the challenge! 💪 Don't forget to breathe, yogis! 🌬️✨ #YogaForShoulders #StretchAndRelease #YogaLove #ShoulderMobility #FindYourZen #YogaJourney #NamasteEveryday 🙏🌟

Now social media is personal, this isn’t the tone that I would use but I suspect your audience wouldn’t know this was written by AI. Certainly it could save time if you only needed to edit a few words rather than write from scratch.

Yoga Nidra Script

Let’s try another example… let’s see if it can write me a Yoga Nidra script. Here’s my query:

“Can you write me a 20 minute Yoga Nidra script to promote relaxation and rest please”

Certainly! Yoga Nidra, also known as yogic sleep, is a powerful technique for promoting relaxation and rest. Here's a 20-minute Yoga Nidra script for you:

Introduction:

Begin by finding a comfortable lying position on your back. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Inhale serenity, exhale tension. Allow your body to settle into a state of complete relaxation.

Body Scan:

Shift your awareness to your toes. Feel the sensation in each toe, then gently move to the soles of your feet. Allow any tension to melt away as you move through the different parts of your body. Feel the soothing energy traveling through your ankles, calves, knees, and thighs.

Now, focus on your hips and pelvic area. Let go of any lingering tightness. Allow the warmth of relaxation to flow through your lower back, abdomen, and chest. Feel the rise and fall of your breath, a natural rhythm of peace.

Move your attention to your fingers, hands, and wrists. Sense the gentle release of tension as you let go. Allow the relaxation to spread through your forearms, elbows, and upper arms. Feel the weight of tranquility in your shoulders.

Breath Awareness:

Shift your focus to your breath. Inhale slowly, counting to four. Exhale, counting to six. Feel the breath nourishing your body with each inhale, and with each exhale, release any remaining tension. Let the breath be your guide into a deeper state of relaxation.

Visualizations:

Imagine a serene beach. Picture the waves gently rolling in and out, creating a rhythmic melody of peace. Feel the warm sand beneath you, supporting your entire body. With each wave, allow any worries or tension to be carried away, leaving only a sense of tranquility.

Now, visualize a clear night sky. Each star represents a worry or thought. Watch as they slowly fade away, leaving the sky clear and calm. Your mind is as vast and serene as the night sky.

Sankalpa (Intention):

Bring to mind a positive intention or affirmation for yourself. Repeat it silently in your mind three times, as if planting a seed in the fertile soil of your consciousness.

Rotation of Consciousness:

Gently bring your awareness to different parts of your body. As each body part is named, let it relax completely.

• Right thumb

• Second finger

And it continues to go on but I’ll leave it here.

As you can see, this would certainly be useable. You might want to tweak a few bits, perhaps extend some sections but it’s saving you a lot of time.

Retreat Launch Email

The final example I want to use is the announcement of a new retreat, can it help me to craft a launch email?

This was the query I asked:

“I want to do an email launch for a new yoga retreat I am offering on 1st January 2024 until 4th January 2024 in Hogsmead. The theme will be "welcoming in the new year" and it will be a nourishing, renewing experience for guests with 3 meals provided and twin accommodation charged at £550 per person.”

Here’s what ChatGPT suggested:

Subject: 🌟 Embrace the New Year with Our Exclusive Yoga Retreat in Hogsmead! 🌿

Hello [Recipient's Name],

As we stand on the brink of a new year, there's no better time to embark on a journey of self-discovery and renewal. We are thrilled to announce our upcoming yoga retreat in the enchanting village of Hogsmead, designed to welcome in the New Year with serenity, mindfulness, and rejuvenation.

📅 Dates: January 1st, 2024, to January 4th, 2024

Retreat Highlights:

🌿 Nourishing Yoga Practices:

Dive into daily yoga sessions led by experienced instructors, tailored to nourish your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey, our classes are designed to meet you where you are.

🍽️ Gourmet Meals:

Indulge in a culinary journey with three delicious meals provided daily. Our expert chefs will craft a menu that not only delights your taste buds but also supports your wellness journey.

🛏️ Twin Accommodation:

Unwind in cozy twin accommodations, sharing the experience with a friend or fellow retreat participant. The cost is £550 per person, offering you the opportunity to create lasting memories with a like-minded companion.

🌟 New Year, New Intentions:

Immerse yourself in the theme of "Welcoming in the New Year." Engage in mindfulness practices, set intentions for the year ahead, and leave with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality.

Why Hogsmead?

Nestled in the heart of nature, Hogsmead provides the perfect backdrop for a transformative retreat. The magical ambiance of this quaint village will enhance your experience, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Secure Your Spot:

Spaces are limited, and early booking is recommended to ensure your place on this extraordinary journey of self-discovery. To reserve your spot, simply reply to this email or visit our website [insert your website link].

Let's step into the New Year together, surrounded by the beauty of Hogsmead and the positive energy of our yoga community.

🌈 We look forward to sharing this magical experience with you!

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Title]

[Your Contact Information]

[Your Yoga Studio/Retreat Center Name]

I can see this example saving you a TON of time. It’s a perfect structure, I could have added more details into the search query about facilities and what yoga to expect. 

Concluding Thoughts

Naturally given my job relies on me writing lots of content… there’s still a bit of nervousness about what these tools will mean for my profession. However, there’s no denying, as a small business owner who can’t afford to outsource all of their content to a copywriter or agency, there is a massive benefit to exploring these types of tools. It could save you a tremendous amount of time and if you tend to find this side of running a business difficult, it could be a huge relief. You’ll need to consider the application, what types of content it works best for, and how you can retain your brand and style of writing. There are also potentially implications for Google search, I wouldn’t recommend doing your entire website like this as there’s a danger it will sound too generic and you’re penalised in search rankings.

It’s an interesting area and I’m keen to see how it unfolds. Long term I expect businesses might be required to say when they have used AI to write articles or blogs… so that’s a consideration but I would recommend you play around with these tools and see if they could help you.