Intention

With the end of summer and (for many) the beginning of a new school/work year approaching, I thought it appropriate to blog about intention.  For me, this time of year always has a New Year's feel to it because of the start of another chapter in my life.  There is an abundance of new: new classes, new surroundings, new schedule, new (or more evolved) outlook...etc.  All these facets to life give cause for setting a new intention to assimilate the new. 

In yoga, we see the power of intention shine through our practice by setting an intention at the beginning of class and honoring it throughout.  For example, my intention for the last class I took was to listen.  In yoga class as well as in life, I often find myself moving too quickly from one thing to the next too quick because I either know (or think I know) what the teacher is going to say or what is going to happen next; turning off my ears and missing the beauty in listening.  Before class started, I looked at myself in the mirror and said "For the next 90 minutes, I am listening to the instructor and following along".  Instead of approaching the intention with "wiggle room" (i.e. "I am going to try and listen"), setting an intention by stating that you are already honoring your intention sets you up for success.  (And who doesn't love instant gratification?!)

Take some time and reflect on what your goals are and what steps are necessary in order to accomplish them.  From there, your intention is easy! Write, blog :), journal or talk about it as if it is a plan already set in action...because it is!

My intention is to appreciate and truly live each moment.  What is yours?

In light and love, Ainsley