Have you been to a yoga class before and at the beginning of the class and the teacher asks you to 'set an intention for your practise', (I know I certainly say it!)
but maybe you have a little panic or you don't have a clue what to think and your mind goes blank. Don't worry, thats very common!
Intentions can be very powerful tools, they can bring a deeper level of focus, help you stay grounded, help shape your decisions and bring you back to your purpose, both on and off the mat.
Here is a little explanation with a few ideas, inspiration and also a short meditation for you to practise to help you find your own intention.
'An Intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. Like real seeds, intentions can't grow if you hold onto them. Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish' Deepak Chopra
Setting an intention in a yoga class is to bring your attention to a quality you would like to cultivate more of, prioritise, or, it can also be recognising and appreciating what you already have.
You can word this in any way that resonates with you, this can be used as your own personal mantra. It can be practical, physical, emotional, spiritual.
Make it a simple sentence or phrase to help you gain clarity and focus on what you really need or want.
Some examples:
I am present and in the moment
I show myself and others compassion
I appreciate my mind and body exactly as I am right now
I invite in softness
I invite strength and cultivate my personal power
I start each day with an open heart
I focus on my breath and remain calm
I give my full attention to my practise
Intention Meditation
Meditation practise can help quieten the mind and tune inwards, connecting to what we truly want/need.
This meditation practise links us with our subconscious mind to call on our intuition to guide us to our intention.
To try this meditation, find yourself a quiet space, sit comfortably, arrive with an open mind and heart.
Your intention doesn't have to be over complicated, try to let it come it you.
Let me know how you get on if you give this a go.
Namaste,
Sarah x