Intention Is Everything

As we approach the turn of the year, I’m not one to get caught up in making a new year resolution. For me, resolutions have a negative connotation, that something is wrong and I must change it in the new year. I’d rather think positively about my year, and be grateful for all that occurred, weighing both successes and challenges equally. I can, however, set an intention for the next year.  An intention can be an overarching idea, way of being, or purpose.

In The Heart’s Intention on YogaJournal.com, Phillip Moffett teaches us the difference between goals and intentions.

 “Setting intention, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different than goal making. It is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are "being" in the present moment. Your attention is on the ever-present "now" in the constantly changing flow of life. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your worldly actions with your inner values.”

Intentions are most likely easier to achieve than resolutions, and aren’t so exact, i.e. “lose 20 pounds”. Intentions allow for the occasional slip up whereas three out of five people will break their resolutions by the end of January. 

Your intention is your mantra for the year so make it short and sweet. Keep your intention prominent in your life, and have it in mind when you practice yoga, meditation, or any other exercise. By putting your intention out into the universe, your dreams will be fulfilled and change will result.  You’ll begin to let go of things that no longer serve you and move forward freely, releasing bad habits and negativity.

A Few Intentions I Gravitate To:

Be Present – our monkey minds tend to dwell on the past, and worry about the future.  When you find yourself somewhere else, try to breathe deeply and focus on the here and now, the present moment.

Breathe Consciously – breathing deeply and with purpose calms our nervous system and reduces stress.

Send Gratitude – be grateful for YOU, and all you have in your life. Send energy and appreciation out to the people you love and the ones you may be in conflict with.

What’s your intention for 2012?

Copyright © 2011 Johanna Seltzer.

Johanna Seltzer, RYT 200, has been teaching since 1991, beginning in dance, and currently in the yogic tradition. She holds a B.A. in dance from the University of Maryland, and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University where she will serve as an adjunct faculty member starting January of 2012. Johanna is a consultant for the Dance Heritage Coalition, River’s Edge Yoga, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and Virginia Yoga Week. She is a yoga and wellness blogger for the Mount Vernon Patch. In addition to group classes, Johanna teaches private sessions and classes for corporate wellness programs. Join her on January 4 for a donation-based yoga class benefiting Sacramento Neighborhood Center. For more information, visit www.innerlightyogi.com.