Have you ever heard your instructor ask you to set an intention for your practice at the start of class? They may even guide you through a group intention, such as thankfulness, openness, or love.
Intentions vs goals
Unlike a goal, that has an end result of some kind, an intention is more of a dedication. Setting an intention helps you to stay present throughout your practice by finding your reason for being there in that space in that moment. Sometimes, your intention can be a dedication to someone or something outside of your practice, which is a really beautiful way to bring positive energy to your practice.
Benefits of setting an intention
An intention can give you a sense of purpose and focus, and a means for staying present throughout your practice. Yoga is so much more than just a physical practice, so it’s important to reconnect with those mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of yoga.
How to set your own intentions
Even if your instructor doesn’t guide you through setting an intention, you can always set one for yourself. Think about what you might be feeling that day. Perhaps you are feeling frustrated, so your intention may be to let go of that frustration. On a day where you are feeling vulnerable, your intention may be to find your inner strength. When you are feeling sore, your intention may be to simply be kind to your body and allow yourself to go slowly.
There are no rules about setting intentions, as this is a deeply personal exercise. Just take a deep breath, and listen to what your mind and body are telling you that you need in that moment.