Intentional Yoga…
on and off the mat
By Marcia Shantipriya Goldberg
Beneath our desires and actions lie deeper intentions. When we make these intentions conscious they en- able us to think and act in ways that support our connection to Spirit and attract what we want into our life. The practice of yoga can make these intentions conscious.
Intention is the thread that forms a necklace on which the pearls of our life experiences are strung. When you perform an asana or move through daily interactions without intention—you receive haphazard experiences. When you approach life with clear intention, you increase the possibility of receiving that which fulfills your deepest longings. Conscious inten- tion places free will at the service of Spirit. It gives us true choice and influences results.
When you hold an intention you direct your attention to that which you want to manifest. You can begin by asking “What do I want to experience? What is the experi- ence I yearn for and want more of in my life?” You may want to experi- ence relaxation, joy, abundance, strength, humor, peace, or the presence of God. The next step is to open to receive that which you intend as well as all experiences that come. This happens through the practice of awareness and com- mitted action.
Practice # 1:
Begin your practice by becom- ing aware of what is your heart is seeking- for example peace, union, inner stillness, joy, compassion. This is your intention. Throughout the practice remain aware of your intention.
“Today my intention is connection. I stand for a few moments hands pressed lightly together, eyes closed. My awareness goes to the breath. I feel its steady rhythm: in, out. I let the breath take me inside to a place of physical sensation where my mind is quiet. I am going home to myself. I know the moves of the Sun Salutation, but simply performing them is not enough. They are the vehicles for the
expression of my soul and I want to be present, fully there, as the receiver of the experience. Before I even begin to move, I connect—I scan my body, seeking connection where it lies: the places where my hands touch, my feet against the carpet, the air filling my lungs. As I begin to move I intentionally notice connection- how one movement connects to the next, how my breath connects to the movement, how the movement connects to sensation. Connection becomes my mantra.
Practice # 2:
Form an intention to deeply nurture yourself. Come into a position on the floor that feels nurturing. Re- main there until you begin to feel the urge to move into a position that is more nurturing. Notice if this urge comes from your thinking mind or a physical sensation in the body. Wait for the physical sensa- tions that signal your body’s desire to adjust. Let your body move and adjust to deepen the experience of nurturance. Open to receive nurturance from this new position. Continue holding the intention for the next 15 minutes as you listen and respond to the messages of the body. Notice any thoughts in the mind and simply watch them as a loving observer.
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June/July 2010
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