Dear yogis,
A new year is upon us and with it a time we often take to reflect on our intentions for the year. In class I often ask you to choose your intention for each practice and I’d like to write a few words about what I mean by this.
The latin root of the word intention means both stretching and purpose so in that way we can think of it as a focus on something which stretches us beyond the place that we are already at. An intention is different from a goal, it is a value which journeys with us throughout the session and our day. Examples might be ‘kindness’ or ‘adaption’, and to apply it, we would aim to let that value flow through our thoughts and actions. In setting an intention we also detach ourselves from the outcome; instead we do our best and let go of the rest. Simply an awareness of our intention can be enough to elicit the change we wish for.
If you are struggling with the concept, some people find it easier to take two to three breaths thinking about each of the following values or intentions:
Gratitude: no matter how hard life is, there’s always some small thing we can be grateful for, it can help our practice to start with an awareness of what this is.
Forgiveness: none of us are perfect, we make mistakes, sometimes we hurt people unintentionally, sometimes we do it intentionally and then regret it. Taking two or three breaths to ask for forgiveness from those we may have negatively impacted or sending forgiveness to those who have wronged us can help us let go of negative emotions.
Guidance: we are social beings and we thrive when we work with others. By taking two to three breaths to think about the areas of our life in which we need further help or assistance, we can open our lives up to opportunity, greater success and a humble attitude where we allow others in.
We are all blessed with the gift of yoga, which re-energises and nurtures, supporting us to go out into the world and put good positive energy to those around us.
Thank you for continuing to make sharing what we love possible.
Normal schedule from Tuesday 03 January.
Namaste & Love
Sima