The Lasso Way on the Mat: How 'Ted Lasso' Teaches Classical Yoga Philosophy
The Lasso Way on the Mat: How 'Ted Lasso' Teaches Classical Yoga Philosophy
I just finished watching the newest season of Ted Lasso and couldn’t help but wonder what it is that makes the show so good.! It is easy to see the obvious charm of Ted himself; his generosity and his relentless optimism. But if you look beneath the surface of the fictional AFC Richmond football pitch, Ted’s unconventional coaching style isn’t just good leadership—it’s actually a masterclass in ancient Eastern philosophy.
The core messages of Ted Lasso directly mirror classical yoga, particularly the timeless teachings found in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. Both frameworks ultimately guide us toward the same goals: mastering our chaotic minds, building emotional resilience, and practicing radical compassion.
Here is how the wisdom of the locker room perfectly aligns with the wisdom of the yoga mat.
1. "Be Curious, Not Judgmental" — The Practice of Svadhyaya (Self-Study)
One of Ted’s most famous mantras urges us to approach the world with curiosity rather than rushing to judgment. In classical yoga, this is the exact essence of Svadhyaya, or self-study. Yoga teaches us to step back and observe our thoughts, triggers, and physical limitations without attachment or criticism. When we swap out harsh self-judgment for gentle curiosity, we can break free from toxic mental loops and understand ourselves—and others—on a deeper level.
2. "Be a Goldfish" — Embracing Vairagya (Non-Attachment)
When a player makes a mistake, Ted tells them to be a goldfish because they have a ten-second memory. In the Yoga Sutras, this aligns beautifully with Vairagya, the practice of non-attachment and letting go. Yoga teaches us to stop clinging to past impressions (samskaras), whether they are past mistakes, old embarrassments, or injuries. By being a goldfish, you anchor yourself entirely in the present moment, refusing to let yesterday's failures dictate today's practice.
3. People Over Scores — Living Karma Yoga (The Yoga of Action)
Ted famously doesn’t care about wins and losses; he cares about helping his players become the best versions of themselves. This is the living embodiment of Karma Yoga as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Lord Krishna advises that we have a right to our labor, but not to the "fruits" or outcomes of that labor. When we practice yoga—or live life—focused entirely on the process, growth, and community rather than a specific "score" or perfect pose, we find true liberation.
4. Vulnerability and Therapy — Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender)
When Ted battles panic attacks and finally opens up to a sports psychologist, the show delivers a powerful message: asking for help is an act of ultimate courage. In yoga, this vulnerability is tied to Ishvara Pranidhana, or surrendering control to something greater than your ego. True strength isn't pretending you have it all together; it’s acknowledging your human limitations, surrendering the need to control everything, and finding inner peace (santosha) exactly as you are.
🧘♀️ Bring the Philosophy to Life with Yoga Gal
Ready to trade anxiety for awareness and take these locker-room philosophies onto the mat? At Yoga Gal, we offer specialized, community-focused sessions tailored to help you find balance, let go of mistakes, and thrive. Explore our current class schedule and join our supportive community today:
Mondays: 9:15 am & 6:00 pm at the Pacific Highalnds Ranch Recreation Center/Online
Tuesdays: 4:00 PM (Online): Restorative Yin Yoga & Mindfulness Practices for Anxiety Relief (Carmel Valley targeted virtual space)
Thursdays: 6:15 pm at Carmel Valley Recreation Center
Sundays: 10:00 am Carmel Creek Park/Online
Whether you are looking to cultivate deeper self-study or simply need a mindful release, there is a space waiting for you. Visit the Yoga Gal Homepage to book your mat or register for our online portal!
