intention
A gentle approach to goal setting.
For many people, life is hectic and mornings seem harried no matter how early we get up. Setting an intention is a one of the tools in your Vibrant Life toolbox. In Sanskrit it’s called a Sankalpa. It is one of the most effective ways to align yourself with the direction you want your life to take.
If you practice yoga, your teacher may have suggested you to set an intention at the beginning of a class, as it helps gear the practice for your specific goals. But you certainly don’t need to take yoga to benefit from intention setting.
As you wake up, in the moments while still relishing your warm bed, set a positive intention. It’s at this time, before the influences of the world around us have rushed at us, that we are most receptive to our inner voice. It can be something very simple, and you certainly don’t need a different one each day. Think of it as your intention supplement. Repeating your intention throughout the day, with sincerity, begins to send positive signals from your brain to the rest of your body.
How to set an intention:
1) Your intention needs to be phrased in the positive.
Stay away from negatives. “No,” “ need,” “ not,” “ won’t,” “shouldn’t,” “ stop,” should be replaced with “yes,” “will,” “allow,” “align,” “start.”
Ex. “I need to eat less,” could become, “I will nourish my body with wholesome, energizing foods.”
Repetition of this phrase will trigger your body’s innate awareness and allow you to make healthier food choices, naturally.
2) Keep it short and succinct.
Ex. I need to be less stressed out and take more time for myself and my family” could be replaced with
“I enjoy my life.”
Keep your intentions in the present tense, as if it’s already happening.
3) Write your intention out at least five times. The more you write it out, the better. Repeat it as often as possible.
Ex. Sticky notes on the fridge, in your car, even on the bathroom mirror work as great reminders.
Once you have chosen and intention that resonates with you, stick with it until it manifests. You can keep the same intention for as long as you like.
Look for little windows of opportunity during the day; while brushing your teeth, waiting at red lights, or standing in line at the bank, that may serve as “intention snacks.” The same way your body requires food for sustained energy throughout the day, your mind and emotions will benefit from these little intention pick-me-ups.
A few examples:
-I am at peace with myself and the world
- I intend to stay fully aware of my breath.
-I promise to be gentle with myself today.
- I intend to be fully present in each moment today.
-I am healed and healthy
-I am taking the steps to build a successful career.
Change doesn’t happen overnight. When you forget, or stray from the essence of your intention, don’t berate yourself. Instead, gently remind yourself of your intention and reset.
Onward…
D
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This entry was posted in Cool Stuff, Education, Health, Nutrition, Yoga and tagged Goal setting, Sankalpa, Sanskrit, Yoga. Bookmark the permalink.
