What Do You Hope For?

At the beginning of a new year there is much talk focused on setting goals for self -improvement. In the yoga tradition, you hear students and teachers speaking about setting intentions. This practice has been very helpful for me in my own life. I have been working with intention-setting for the past year. The Sanskrit word for intention is Sankalpa.
 
What is a Sankalpa? A Sankalpa is a deep longing that emerges from your heart. An intention is often connected to your dharma, which is your life purpose. You can practice setting a daily Sankalpa upon waking in the morning or you could use the same intention over and over again for a few months. This is a practice that I have been using personally for the past year. I have been welcoming the same intention over time and I notice the intention manifesting and coming to life!  In fact, it sometimes takes me by surprise that it is actually happening. It is empowering to know that what we give our attention and energy to can flourish. 

Guidelines for Setting an Intention

1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Begin to tune in to yourself and notice your breathing. Become quiet and draw your awareness inward.

2. Ask the following question of your heart and listen in deeply. What is it that I hope to cultivate for myself? Or, What do I long for? Move out of your thinking mind and enter into a feeling state of being. Become curious and receptive.

3. As you quietly pay attention, a feeling or need may start to arise. You may get an inkling. It may be fuzzy at first. Be patient. Refine it. Give it a name. Welcome it.

4. Now, create an intention or firm resolve from this feeling. Formulate a clear, short statement that is set in the present tense like it is already happening (because you already are what you are longing for, although it may be presently obscured). Repeat your statement to yourself three times and consciously breath into it. As you inhale, state your intention and as you exhale, feel the sentiment washing over your entire being. Water the seeds of your intention with your breath. Come back to this heartfelt intention throughout your day whenever you remember and allow this aspiration to unfold. Live your intention; attend to it.

Examples of intentions might be:
 
I am patient
I am healing
I am content

Please feel free to write to me and let me know how this process goes for you.
 
Antoine de Saint-Exupery writes in the well-loved fable, The Little Prince, “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
 

Announcing My New Class
 
I am teaching a new Level 1 Flow class at 889 Yoga on Tuesday nights at 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm. I love teaching in this time slot. It is a fantastic way to transition away from work before you head home for the evening. Link your movement with breath, de-stress, unwind, and increase flexibility and strength as you connect with yourself and others.  Join me for this popular class.


Where To Find Me


Namaste,

 
Kathryn Bowen