Intention Setting In Yoga

The power of the wisdom within.

Setting an intention is a lovely ritual that can bring focus and presence to our practice. Like an inner compass that points true north, it connects us to how best the journey can unfold for us each time we come to the mat. Our intention can then guide the energy and flow of the practice helping to create a deeper more mindful and embodied experience that is aligned to our true essence.

The quiet settling period at the start of our practice is a lovely opportunity to shift the gaze inwards, connect to the breath and kindly observe how we feel. As we let the awareness move through the layers of the mind, breath and body we can pause and listen to the guidance within to quietly form our intention. For example, it could be to simply move with awareness and presence to breath or to practice with kindness & compassion to self (the practice of Ahimsa - non-harming), or maybe to build strength and resilience in the body. Our intention is unique to us, even in a class environment each participant can have their own path of intention that allows the experience to connect and unfold as it best serves them at that time.

The Sanskrit word for intention is Sankalpa, which can be translated as heartfelt desire, resolve or vow. Setting a sankalpa is often a component of yoga nidra (yogic sleep) which is a blissful guided deep relaxation that provides the perfect environment for such an intention to emerge. Our sankalpha is like a seed that is sowed when we are calm and quiet and receptive to the truest wisdom within, from here it can take root, grow and flourish. Just like planting a seed in the garden we need to be patient and continue to nurture our seed, trusting that it will unfold just as it needs to, the beautiful art of letting go!

As we dive deeper into our intention setting and practice we may start to notice that what we cultivate on the mat begins to subtly weave into our daily life. We may sense our intention provides and serves as an underlying anchor to help us see and act with more clarity, mindfulness and alignment to our truest self.