Intention is everything.
‘Say it louder for the people in the back.’
INTENTION IS EVERYTHING!
Why are you doing what you are doing? Why are you saying what you’re saying? Why!?
Examining your intentions is a way to clarify your thoughts, words and actions. This process is a form of Svdhyaya, one of the Niyamas in The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Svdhyaya is the practice of self-study. When you practice examining your intentions, it can be a confronting and uncomfortable process, but simultaneously provide powerful insight into your unique patterns of thought and behavior.
A relevant area to begin examining your intention is when thinking about your physical yoga practice. Why do you practice? Is it to nurture and stimulate your body? To care for it? Or, is it to punish your body and work it into a form that your mind deems acceptable? The perceived outcome of your daily practices almost always depends on whether your intention is rooted in discipline or in force.
Discipline comes from a place of abundance, love, and belief in one’s ability and potential. A disciplined practice is characterized by moderate, yet consistent effort over a long period of time. When approaching your practice with a mindset of love and care, you will leave your mat feeling full, regardless of what happened or didn’t happen. This is because you knew you did the work that was needed for TODAY, and it will look different every day.
Force comes from a “lack” mindset or a perception of not being enough of something. When approaching your practice with force, you will often come away feeling unfulfilled because you might not have sweat enough, or nailed a pose you nailed yesterday, or just felt “off.”
And so, I encourage you to examine your intention next time you step foot on your mat. See if you can approach your time moving and breathing with an extra dose of compassion and care towards your mind and body. Spend some time noticing all the incredible qualities you already possess. As Nelson Mandela said, “It never hurts to see the good in someone. They often act better because of it.” This is not only true for others, but for ourselves. Focus on the good in you and watch yourself flourish.