3. Setting an Intention

Intentions are desires that we set into motion with the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the actions we take. An intention can be defined as a plan, purpose, or desire for a particular end.

We all have intentions all the time! We wake up, and we have the intention of getting out of bed and going for a run. We go to work with the intention of doing our job well and coming home to be attentive to our family’s needs. We intend to have some time to ourselves and practice yoga. Intentions set powerful actions into motion and impact all aspects of our lives and those around us.

In yoga, we set intentions for our practice. Typically, we do this at the very start of class before we begin moving into physical poses and reconnect with it at the end of class. Setting an intention for your yoga practice is meant to help you get the most out of your time on the mat and to remind you of your life’s purpose off the mat.

There are many ways to set an intention.  Here are a few basic suggestions:

• Reflect on what you have to be grateful. 
• Repeat a positive virtue or characteristic: calmness, kindness, courage, etc.
• Consider a change in your behavior for the better.
• Think of something meaningful you would like to do with your life, your life's purpose; steps to take to establish your life's course. 
• Many people express their intention as an answer to one of these three questions:
• Who am I?
• Why am I here?
• What should I do next? 

Some sample intentions:

• Brave
• Healthy
• I am a patient listener.
• I am peaceful and calm.
• I embrace all of life's experiences, good or bad.
• My true nature is joy.
• I am moving forward with courage.
• Everyday I am making choices to improve my emotional well being.
• I am enough.

Tune into your heart and soul for the intention that enlivens you. Let your intention arise … then repeat to yourself three times, imprinting it upon your mind. Imprinting your intention in your mind makes it readily accessible for those times in daily life when you are challenged to do or say what best honors you and your life's purpose.

Much like your yoga practice, your intentions are in a state of continual change. And just like a seed must be planted and nourished, so, too, must your intentions. With practice, the intentions you set in motion will become second nature.  Soon old habits begin to fall away as your truest nature is revealed in your thoughts, words, and actions.

An ancient Sanskrit text, The Upanishads, has this to say about intention setting:

"You are what your deepest desire is.

As your desire is, so is your intention.

As your intention is, so is your will.

As your will is, so is your deed.

As your deed is, so is your destiny."