Why do I encourage intention-setting at my workshops?
Let’s start with ‘what is intention setting?’
Intentions describe how you want to feel; what energy you want to cultivate.
You might have heard world ‘intentional’ used a lot, in yoga classes and otherwise. Being intentional is acting in a way that is mindful (not living on autopilot, but behaving in a way that aligns with the kind of person you want to be).
I like to set an intention that is based on one word; and half the practice of intention setting is deciding on what that word is. This involves taking time to listen to what your intuition is telling you; connecting with that deep inner wisdom, your inner guide. Even if nothing comes to mind, the practice of asking the questions, and taking your awareness inward, of being more mindful, has immense benefits for your wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around you. Let’s employ the philosophical view of Emmanuel Kant for a moment and imagine how the world would be if EVERYONE did this? World leaders included (if only!)
Ask yourself, what is it I need from life right now? Where has the balance tipped and what adjustments need to be made to get me back to feeling more centred, more true to myself and my values? Quite often, one word sums it up beautifully. I need to cultivate…CALM, RESILIENCE, VITALITY, SELF-LOVE, FORGIVENESS, EMPATHY are some examples.
Once your intention reveals itself to you, you can start to live it out STRAIGHT AWAY. You can employ that intention in every aspect of your life, from the minute you set it. You can act in a way that embodies the intentions you set for yourself; be intentional; be the change you want to see.
When you set intentions, you change your focus and therefore your mindset, rather than attaching yourself to a future goal without any requisite paid to the mindset and focus shift required to get there!
