Building Intentions

How do we approach the New Year? What changes do we strive for and how do we get them? Millions of people around the world view this time of year as a time to make changes, start fresh, and become a newer, better version of themselves. But most of us rarely see real change.

If you are seeking change in your life, consider going about it in a different way. Consider intention-setting. You might wonder- how is it different from a resolution? Intentions are phrased in a way to be an internal focus. Intentions are also not about covering up what you want to change, but bringing it into the light, where you can acknowledge it and begin to create the version of yourself that you want to be. Here is an example:

Resolution- I want to loose 10 pounds.

Why doesn’t this work? There is nothing concrete here. There is nothing to internalize to create change and there is no real meaning to it. Why do you want to loose 10 pounds? Just to see a different number on the scale? Or is it something different…. For you to feel healthy and vibrant?

Now you get to the more concrete part. What is it that you REALLY want? Take some time with that question… What is it that you really want?

Intention- I am a healthy, vibrant woman.

With this intention you are setting the stage for how you want to see yourself. You are not going to punish yourself for eating a cookie or not going to the gym today. You are going to create an image of the version of yourself that you want to become.

So, you have an intention…. what now? What do you do with it? You plant that intention into your deepest level of consciousness. First thing in the morning when you wake up, before you even open your eyes, silently speak your intention to yourself. Allow it linger while you take a few deep breaths and prepare your mind for your day. Before you fall asleep at night, let your intention be your last thought. If you meditate or do yoga, confirm your intention to yourself at the beginning of your yoga practice, and again before and after savasana. Allow it to be present during your meditation.

The deeper into your being you place your intention, the more your inner self will be able to work with it. Real change is not easy and habits are hard to break! In yoga we call these habits samskara. It is kind of like when you drive in the same track on a dirt road over and over again. Those tracks become very deep and before you know it your are on autopilot. You can’t get your vehicle out of the tracks! To release yourself from those tracks, you have to create some new grooves. This takes mindfulness and patience and it all starts with intention.

Need a little more help on creating an intention? Here are a few tips:

*phrase your intention in the present tense

*use words that speak to you- that just feel right

*don’t try to change external things- keep your focus internal

*form an image around your intention- intentions don’t even need language

*make sure your intention sounds positive and inspiring

Allow mistakes, but keep yourself coming back to your intention. Breathe it in, dream it, allow it become part of your being.

May 2018 be full of love, light, and contentment. May joy exceed pain, may moments of laughter outnumber moments of tears, and may you live life to its fullest.

Namasté,

Jill