Setting New Year Intentions

Jan 04, 2021
Well congratulations everyone, you made it to the New Year! 

As the new year gets under way, it is the perfect time to set intentions and shake off the dust from last year. I’m sure you recall a time when your yoga teacher invited you to close your eyes and set an intention before your practice, but what are intentions and why do we set them?

An intention is simply ‘a determination to act in a certain way’. They allow you to tune into the core of your being and discover what you want both on the mat and off the mat.

Unlike goals, intentions are felt and not done. They promote a shift in your being that will help you do away with the old and realign yourself with your deepest desires in the present moment. Intentions have the capacity to go really deep and unlike goal setting, you should not attach yourself to achieving an ‘end result’. This is because setting intentions at the start of your yoga practice is really about moving into a new energy that will shift every aspect of your practice and life.

So, what are some benefits of setting intentions?

  • They bring you into awareness of your own needs and desires.
  • They help create your new reality- a positive intention is a positive mind.
  • They make you more mindful in the present moment.
  • They move you from your headspace to your heart space.
Intentions can be thought of a bit like your new year’s resolutions which is why this time of year is vital when attempting to carve a new path for yourself. Unlike your resolution though, with intentions you can set new ones every single day. Their power is limitless.

Before you set intentions it is good to ask yourself:

  • Is there a new emotion or feeling I want to align myself with?
  • Is there a virtue or quality I would like to cultivate in myself?
Intentions prepare you to heal the wounds of your past and let go of things that are no longer serving you. They can be as creative or simple as you like, but we do believe they should go beyond desires to ‘master the crow pose’ or ‘call-in financial abundance’. They have to come from your heart and be deeply personal, just as your yoga practice is. Here are some ideas to get you started:
  • I intend to be more loving to those around me
  • I intend to love my body more
  • I intend to show humility in all that I do
  • I intend to live in a state of generosity
As Deepak Chopra said, ‘intentions compressed into words enfold magical power’ meaning, when done correctly and consistently they can support your growth and transformation beyond belief.

So, yogi, the time has come to quieten your mind and really ask yourself:

What is my intention for today?

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