Setting INTENTIONS

GETTING CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT

I’m sure you’ve been to at least one yoga class where the teacher ambiguously says to set an intention, leaving more than one person wondering what the hell she's talking about. An intention is the starting point of every dream. They are the fuel to bringing your goals and visions into reality. Identifying your intentions will help create more clarity in your life, provide insight into your purpose, and help you to stay focused, even in the midst of chaos. 

Here are a few steps to most effectively set intentions, and follow them through: 

1. Become very clear about something you want, and write it down, every little detail. If you can imagine it, it CAN become your reality. (And if you still don't know what you want, ask yourself, "I want to know what I want." Allow yourself some space to be struck by inspiration. Its in there, I promise.)

2. Detach from the Outcome. Don't worry so much about the ‘how’ but instead, Let the Universe Handle the Details, and focus on the end result you desire.

3. Keep it Positive, & Keep it Simple. You want to be focusing on something that makes you want to beam with joy. 

4. Repetition is Key. You are basically retraining your subconscious mind to take on a new belief, so repeat your intention often. Write it down over and over, place reminders all over the place!

5. Let Go and be Willing to Receive.

You can set intentions all day long, for each different segment you experience. For example, while you are still in bed in the morning, you can set the intention to have a productive or smoothly flowing day. When you get in the car on your way to wherever you are going you can intend to arrive to your destination safely and on time. Before you enter your workplace you can intend to make an impact on your boss, or intend to be powerfully professional. 

Some intentions that I use on a regular basis go a little something like this:

⊹ Before I begin my yoga practice I mentally repeat, “I am strong & flexible.” And I continue to repeat this with each breath in and out.

⊹ I have the intention, “Money comes easily & frequently” written out on pieces of paper and stuck to my computer, my planner and my fridge.

⊹ Throughout the day, as often as I can, I remind myself, “I am happy, healthy and open to receive life changing surprises.”

Setting an intention is like drawing a map of where you want to go — it becomes the driving force of your higher consciousness. Without an intention there is no map, and you're just driving down a road with no destination in mind. By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and others (and the universe) just what you plan to do. 

What are some ways that you can think of to integrate intentions into your daily life?