Set Your Intention

The first thing you do when you arrive on your mat in a yoga class is close your eyes and 'set your intention.' You can set an intention for anything you wish, anything you'd like to get our of your practice, anything you'd like to leave with. Yoga is a time to practice being present and center your mind, body and spirit. My intention, 90% of the time, is to be calm and find relaxation and to let go of any tension. Yoga is an art that you must allow yourself to be open to. The benefits of yoga do not come with one or two classes; it is an ongoing dedication. You come to practice and must remember there is no judgement; no judgement of yourself and no judgement of others. Simply make it a goal to release all of the stress you have built up throughout your day. This is easily mastered by your continuous deep breathing throughout the exercise. Your body is different each any everyday; you cannot get mad at yourself if one day you can do a headstand and another day your body does tells you otherwise.

When we think about judgement, there are so many ways we judge ourselves and others almost as if it is embedded in the human gene. We assume the person driving on the road way under the speed limit is stupid or shouldn't be driving. We assume. We get angry. We make up a story. What is actually going on? We judge and it often creates a negative feeling which can be spread like a contagious disease in to the world. Anger can have the same impact as the infectious smile only one can generate a ripple effect of positivity into the universe. It would be so much easier to live a judgement free life, this is why you must practice taking your 'intention' with you off your mat and into the world. If you want to achieve something you must practice regularly to see results. Think about all of the hassle you could save your mind. Set your intention to be grateful to others, to be grateful for what you have, for your health and your happiness. Yoga has an extraordinary amount of benefits. What you practice on your mat, with your breath, through meditation can be utilized to serve as a purpose in your life. Set your intention, take it with you into the world.