Setting an Intention

There is a ritual that occurs at the beginning of every yoga class.  With your hands over heart-center, eyes closed, you are asked to set an intention for your practice.  During the next hour, as you concentrate on your breath, you should also continue to bring your focus back to your intention. 

Intention:  a determination to act in a certain way.  “to have in mind a purpose or plan; to direct the mind; to aim”

An intention can be set with you in mind – what you want to get out of class, or you can be selfless and set an intention for someone else.  For me, it just depends on the day, as far as, whom or what my intention will be, but it always focuses on the themes of love, inner-peace and strength.  Yoga is a meditation that simultaneously challenges my body and mind. It has been a key ingredient on my path to enlightenment, and I am always happier when I finish class.  

There is a difference between setting a goal and an intention.  Goals are made with specific results in mind, and they are something you can physically or mentally work towards.  They are tangible, and hopefully attainable.  I have a goal to find a job.  Initially, I had the idea that a job or certain career would be an answer to my everyday happiness.  I no longer believe this is the case.  Being gainfully employed and earning an income are important to me, but that doesn’t mean it lines up with my intentions.  My life intention is quite simple, yet means everything to me.  It is a commitment to align my path towards finding love, peace, happiness and a family.  I know that I can handle any stress or crap that comes into my life, as long as it is filled with love, happiness and eventually a family.  If I’m not brave enough to put that out in the Universe, than I am not learning anything on this journey.  My intentions are not meant to only be focused on during yoga class; they need to guide me everyday forward.  Namaste.