Many classes I've been in or taught
have asked the student to
set an intention for their practice.
You can do this anytime you practice or
it may not be something that appeals to you at all.
Here's the skinny-
Setting an intention at the beginning of your practice
then taking a few moments or breaths mid-practice
to refocus the intention
and finally
ending by bringing the intention back into focus
really is a beautiful thing to add to your practice.
How to choose an intention-
Think of what you want more of in your life...
maybe it's compassion, patience, peace, love or health.
Think of someone or something you love...
maybe it's your partner, your child, your pet,
your independence or your faith.
Think of a cause you feel strongly about...
maybe it's clean water for all, equality, peace,
ending world hunger or
living in a cruelty-free world.
All are valid and worthy things.
Finding that which resonates in your heart
is what will best serve you.
Keep the intention simple so you can come back to it.
For example- setting the intention of dedicating your practice
to your sisters cousins grand uncle who may or
may not have leukemia
because it could just be gas but no one really knows...
may not be the best served intention but
setting the intention of dedicating this practice to Bob
or to health will be better served.
Also- in setting an intention- pick something positive.
Dedicate your practice to your health, well-being,
your friend who is having a hard time,
a child you know who's struggling etc.
Setting the intention of being cleaner, being a better mom or
not yelling at the cat again are valid
yet can be turned into positive statements.
Plus- stating them as if they've already happened
is even better and more potent.
For example- instead of I wanna be a cleaner person- say I'm pure.
Instead of I wanna be a better mom- I am a wonderful mother.
Instead of I won't yell at the cat again- I am compassionate.
Get the idea...
Setting an intention for your practice does a few things...
First- you can set the same or a different intention each time.
It helps keep your practice fresh and focused plus it's a great way to
incorporate your needs and what will serve you best.
Second- it encourages positive self growth and well-being and often pours over
into your daily life rather than just on the mat.
Finally- it brings joy.
It just feels good to feel like you've done something to help-
yourself or others.
Add this practice to your day.
When you awaken- set an intention in the same way.
At lunchtime- remind yourself-
even taking a few slow breaths to emphasize it.
At dusk- reaffirm the intention.
At bedtime- reaffirm the intention.
It's amazing how this seemingly simple thing
can enrich your daily life
as well as your yoga practice.
No yoga mat needed...
Any questions- lemme know.
Rock your practice!
Xo- Suz
have asked the student to
set an intention for their practice.
You can do this anytime you practice or
it may not be something that appeals to you at all.
Here's the skinny-
Setting an intention at the beginning of your practice
then taking a few moments or breaths mid-practice
to refocus the intention
and finally
ending by bringing the intention back into focus
really is a beautiful thing to add to your practice.
How to choose an intention-
Think of what you want more of in your life...
maybe it's compassion, patience, peace, love or health.
Think of someone or something you love...
maybe it's your partner, your child, your pet,
your independence or your faith.
Think of a cause you feel strongly about...
maybe it's clean water for all, equality, peace,
ending world hunger or
living in a cruelty-free world.
All are valid and worthy things.
Finding that which resonates in your heart
is what will best serve you.
Keep the intention simple so you can come back to it.
For example- setting the intention of dedicating your practice
to your sisters cousins grand uncle who may or
may not have leukemia
because it could just be gas but no one really knows...
may not be the best served intention but
setting the intention of dedicating this practice to Bob
or to health will be better served.
Also- in setting an intention- pick something positive.
Dedicate your practice to your health, well-being,
your friend who is having a hard time,
a child you know who's struggling etc.
Setting the intention of being cleaner, being a better mom or
not yelling at the cat again are valid
yet can be turned into positive statements.
Plus- stating them as if they've already happened
is even better and more potent.
For example- instead of I wanna be a cleaner person- say I'm pure.
Instead of I wanna be a better mom- I am a wonderful mother.
Instead of I won't yell at the cat again- I am compassionate.
Get the idea...
Setting an intention for your practice does a few things...
First- you can set the same or a different intention each time.
It helps keep your practice fresh and focused plus it's a great way to
incorporate your needs and what will serve you best.
Second- it encourages positive self growth and well-being and often pours over
into your daily life rather than just on the mat.
Finally- it brings joy.
It just feels good to feel like you've done something to help-
yourself or others.
Add this practice to your day.
When you awaken- set an intention in the same way.
At lunchtime- remind yourself-
even taking a few slow breaths to emphasize it.
At dusk- reaffirm the intention.
At bedtime- reaffirm the intention.
It's amazing how this seemingly simple thing
can enrich your daily life
as well as your yoga practice.
No yoga mat needed...
Any questions- lemme know.
Rock your practice!
Xo- Suz
