Radiant Bliss: The Transformative Power of Yoga and Optimism

In this engaging conversation, Sue Bushell, author of Radiant Bliss: A Transformative Yoga Journey for the Modern Soul, joins Victor Perton to explore the life-changing connection between Dru Yoga and optimism. Sharing her personal journey of healing and growth, Sue reveals how three decades of yoga practice, including the flowing and meditative approach of Dru Yoga, have helped her cultivate resilience, joy, and a deep sense of optimism. Together, they discuss how Yoga empowers individuals to embrace life's challenges as opportunities for transformation, lighting the way toward gratitude, strength, and hope.

Victor Perton: Sue, what makes you optimistic?  Yoga?  Life experience?  Faith?  Mindset?

Sue Bushell:  What makes me optimistic?  Faith and mindset acquired through Yoga, certainly.

I had a challenging and, at times, terrifying childhood that left me deeply scarred, prone to panic, obsessive thoughts about perceived wrongs, and sudden flights of rage. Over nearly 30 years of studying yoga philosophy, meditation, and physical yoga practice, I've experienced a profound transformation that has brought me peace, clarity, and a deep sense of optimism.

My experiences in deep meditation have given me absolute confidence in the enduring nature of my soul and the core teaching of yoga philosophy—that my true nature is Bliss.

It's fascinating: not so many years ago, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer and endured surgery and a brutal period of chemotherapy that left me in intensive care for five days. Yet, when I submitted my book to my publisher, I realised I had forgotten to include that experience. It had touched my body, but it hadn't reached the essence of who I am.

Yoga has been my salvation and is the foundation of my optimism.

Victor Perton: May I follow that insight, Sue?

What's the link between Yoga and optimism? Yoga and a positive life?

According to my mother, Lilia Perton, a yoga teacher with over 50 years of experience, "Daily practice of Yoga and meditation are ways of achieving an optimistic mindset and presence. We can light up the room and light up the lives of people around us with a positive manner, mode of speech and a smile."

Yogi Sarvesh Shashi said, "Yoga teaches you how to be in the present and makes you understand how we can't undo the past and the future is yet to happen. So, live in the now. And in the now, there is only optimism."

Sue Bushell: Victor, I couldn't agree more with your mother and Yogi Sarvesh Shashi. Yoga and optimism are deeply intertwined because Yoga is, at its heart, a practice of self-awareness and presence. It teaches us to connect with the now—to be fully present in this moment—and, in doing so, it cultivates a mindset of acceptance, resilience, and joy.

Through the physical practice, we learn to face discomfort with equanimity and breathe through challenges, both on the mat and in life. Meditation deepens this, helping us transcend the chaos of the mind and access a steady, peaceful inner core.

Yoga philosophy teaches us that our true nature is Bliss—sat-chit-ananda—existence, consciousness, and joy. When you live with that understanding, optimism naturally arises because fleeting external circumstances no longer bind you.

Yoga has taught me to embrace life's challenges as opportunities for growth. It has given me the tools to manage fear and anger, the clarity to see past difficulties, and the faith to trust in the unfolding of life's journey. Optimism, to me, is a byproduct of this practice—a deep trust in the wisdom of life and the unshakable knowledge that even the hardest moments have the potential to illuminate our path forward.

Yoga isn't just a practice; it's a way of being that transforms how we perceive ourselves and the world. It infuses life with gratitude, hope, and the power to light up the lives of others.

Victor Perton: Sue, are there any asanas or postures associated with greater optimism or positivity that you would commend? Surya Namaskar for instance?

Sue Bushell: Absolutely, Victor. Certain yoga postures and sequences are wonderful for cultivating optimism and positivity, and Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) is an excellent example. This dynamic sequence energises the body and symbolises gratitude for the sun's life-giving energy. By practising it mindfully, you create a rhythm that mirrors the cycles of life, instilling a sense of balance and hope.

Other asanas that foster positivity include heart-opening postures like Ustrasana (Camel Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), and Urdhva Dhanurasana (Upward Bow Pose). These poses physically open the chest and heart space, which can counteract the slouched posture often associated with stress or low mood. Emotionally, they encourage a sense of expansiveness and openness to life's possibilities.

Grounding poses like Tadasana (Mountain Pose) and Vrksasana (Tree Pose) can also foster optimism. These asanas encourage steadiness and connection to the earth, reminding us to stay rooted and present, even in challenging times.

Ultimately, any posture practised with mindfulness and gratitude can become a vehicle for positivity. The key is the intention behind the practice. Yoga teaches us that when we align our body, breath, and mind with an open heart, we naturally cultivate the optimism and resilience to face life's challenges with grace and hope.

Victor Perton: Sue, what meditations and breathing practices would you recommend? For instance, the Loving Kindness Meditation Enhances Optimism and contentment.

Sue Bushell:  Victor, that's a wonderful question, and I wholeheartedly agree that practices like the Loving Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana) are incredibly powerful for fostering optimism and contentment. Sending intentional thoughts of goodwill to yourself and others softens the heart and strengthens your connection to humanity, which naturally cultivates a sense of positivity and hope.

That said, it's important to emphasise that meditation isn't a one-size-fits-all practice. Different techniques resonate with different personalities, so finding what works best for you is worth exploring. For example:

• Focused Attention Meditation: Concentrating on the breath or a mantra works well for those who find comfort in structure and repetition.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Simply observing your thoughts, sensations, and emotions without judgment suits those who enjoy exploring the nature of awareness.
• Visualisation: Creating mental images of positive outcomes or peaceful places can be wonderful for creative or imaginative individuals.
• Movement-based Meditation: Practices like walking meditation or Yoga can suit those who find sitting still challenging.

One of the most common misconceptions is that you must "block" thoughts to meditate successfully. In reality, meditation is about observing the mind, not controlling it. Thoughts will come and go—that's natural. The key is to return your attention gently to your chosen focus, whether it's the breath, a mantra, or a visualisation.

As for breathing practices, I highly recommend Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) to balance and calm the mind and Kapalabhati (Skull Shining Breath) to energise and clear mental fog. Both are deeply transformative and accessible to practitioners of all levels.

Ultimately, meditation and pranayama are tools to help you connect with your inner self—the part of you that is already whole, peaceful, and optimistic. When practised consistently, they have the power to change not only your mindset but your entire experience of life.

Victor Perton: Your book, Radiant Bliss: A Transformative Yoga Journey for the Modern Soul, is scheduled to be published by Collective Ink – Mantra Books on June 24, 2025. What can people look forward to reading in it? How does it reflect your personal philosophy and experiences with Yoga?

Sue Bushell: In Radiant Bliss: A Transformative Yoga Journey for the Modern Soul, readers can look forward to a deeply personal and practical exploration of Yoga as a holistic path to self-transformation. It's a guide to the physical postures and a journey into the heart of yoga philosophy, meditation, and breathwork. I share my experiences - both the struggles and breakthroughs - of how these practices helped me overcome challenges, find clarity, and cultivate lasting peace and optimism.

The book weaves together ancient teachings and their relevance to modern life. For instance, I dive into how yoga philosophy, such as the koshas (layers of being), the yamas and niyamas (ethical principles), and meditation techniques, can help us navigate stress, uncertainty, and the fast pace of today's world. I aim to provide readers with practical tools and inspiring insights that empower them to embrace their own transformative journey with Yoga.

Victor Perton: You speak of the "modern soul" in the title. What is the modern soul, and how does Yoga connect with its transformation?

Sue Bushell: The term "modern soul" reflects our contemporary challenges and aspirations. Today, information, technology, and external pressures often overwhelm us, leaving little room to connect with our inner selves. The modern soul seeks balance, meaning, and authenticity in a complex, ever-changing world. Yoga offers a timeless antidote. By connecting us to our true essence—our inner BlissBliss—it helps us shed the layers of distraction and conditioning, allowing the soul to thrive.

Yoga's transformative power lies in integrating the body, mind, and spirit. For the modern soul, it's a way to reconnect with what truly matters, fostering resilience, joy, and a profound sense of inner harmony amidst life's demands.

Victor Perton: There is quite a lot of concern about declining optimism in Australia. What do you see among the people of Canberra? Optimism? Anxiety? Uncertainty?

Sue Bushell: I can only answer from the perspective of my own experience. My circle in Canberra is predominantly made up of my warm and joyful yoga community—a group of people who are deeply committed to personal growth, mindfulness, and supporting one another. Within this space, I see a great deal of optimism, resilience, and a shared sense of hope for the future.

That said, I'm aware that many people outside this circle are grappling with anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of disconnection, which seems to reflect the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of modern life. While I don't engage much with news or wider societal narratives, I sense that people are yearning for grounding and meaning.

This is where I believe Yoga and other contemplative practices can make such a profound difference. They provide tools to manage stress, cultivate inner peace, and reconnect with what really matters. Even in times of uncertainty, practices like Yoga help us find stability and optimism, not by ignoring life's challenges but by building the resilience to face them with clarity and grace.

So, my personal view of Canberra is shaped by the light and positivity of my yoga community. My community firmly believes that these practices ripple outward, offering support to those who need it most. This is a big motivation for many of us who practice, you know.

Victor Perton: Sue, a final thought to share with us?

Sue Bushell: I could leave your audience with one final thought: explore the life-changing potential of Dru Yoga.

Dru Yoga is a heart-centered, accessible practice that combines flowing movements, breathwork, relaxation, and meditation. Its foundation lies in creating balance—not just in the body but also in the mind and emotions. What I love about Dru Yoga is its ability to meet you exactly where you are, whether you're seeking physical wellbeing, emotional healing, or a spiritual connection.

For me, Dru Yoga has been a lifeline - a way to cultivate inner peace, optimism, and resilience even in the face of life's challenges. It's not just a practice but a way of living that empowers you to embrace your full potential and navigate life with grace.

I encourage anyone, whether new to Yoga or an experienced practitioner, to give Dru Yoga a try. You'll find that it's not about perfecting postures but about experiencing harmony and vitality in every aspect of your life. In a world where many are searching for meaning, connection, and hope, Dru Yoga provides a beautiful, transformative path to a brighter, more joyful life.

Victor Perton: How can people get in touch with you?

Sue Bushell:  Thank you, Victor, for this opportunity to share my journey and the joy that Yoga brings. It's been a pleasure! I can be reached by email at sueyogini@me.com or via my website, radiantbliss.yoga , where my blog has just ranked 9 in Feedspot's list of the best 80 yoga blogs on the Internet.