Intention

I've been doing yoga for 20 years and I've only been experiencing the poses at a deeper level in the last few.  The difference is that I am finally experiencing the poses from the inside, not the outside.  Instead of forcing myself to attain what I think is the goal of the pose, I am simply feeling the sensations of the poses and relishing in that.  It is so simple.  The wonderful result is that on some days, I may notice, wow, I am really going further in this pose.  It was not my goal to do that, it just happened without me realizing it!  The physical pose is now an expression of what's inside of me. 

Which brings me to intention.  Focusing on intention is different than focusing on a goal.  Intention is not oriented on a future outcome.  It is focused on how you are being in the present moment.

You set your intention based on what is important to you and then make a commitment to align your actions to this intention.  During the centering pose at the beginning of class, scan your thoughts and settle on an intention that seems to fit with your disposition at the time.  

To set your intention - think about these questions:  Why do I practice?  How can I go deeper into my practice?  What's missing in my practice?  How am I going to be in this practice?  Be short, positive and precise.  Your intention can be honed down to a word, which can act like a mantra throughout your practice. 

Your intention can be the same over many days of practice, or can change from day to day.  For example, if you have noticed that you are complaining of being tired all the time, you can set your intention to be energetic.  If you notice that you have been very self-critical, you can set your intention to be gentle with yourself.  If you have been feeling sorry for yourself, you can set your intention to be grateful.

After you have set your intention, return to it throughout your yoga practice. 

Some examples of intentions honed down to mantras are below. When you read the following list, some of the words will resonate with you more than others.  (Think - how am I going to be in every pose).

Energetic                       Gentle                            Kind                                Free

Celebratory                   Loving                            Patient                             Enthusiastic

Playful                           Fierce                             Trusting                           Compassionate

Grateful                         Vigourous                       Steady                             Creative

Accepting                      Strong                            Balanced                          Generous

Content                         Open                              Tolerant                            Fearless

Courageous                   Confident                        Bold                                Still