Setting intention is an important part of my daily yoga practice.  As I drop-in and prepare for practice it helps me to focus my thoughts and my energy.  It also invites deeper meaning and significance to the movement and breath.  In class, I use the analogy of a rechargeable battery.  Intention is energized by the practice and in turn the practice is fueled by intention.

With the new year on the horizon and resolution season in full swing it’s time to take intention off  the mat and into our lives.  Instead of the regular practice of setting resolutions to make superficial changes, why not set intention for the days, weeks, or months ahead.  Think of it as your mission statement or mantra for the new year.

Here are a few tips for setting your New Year’s Intention:

• Dig Deep.  Look past the traditional resolutions or changes of getting organized or losing weight.  What is the deepest desire of your heart?  Is it realizing your value, meaningful relationships, connection with a higher power?  This creates more than resolution or intention, but sankalpa.  Invite the divine guidance of your heart to inspire the journey of your life.

• Accentuate the positive.  You’ve heard it before, but I’ll tell you again.  You are divine.  There is goodness in you.  Put your intention and energy toward enhancing your gifts, talents, and positive interactions.  Avoid resolutions that are aimed at fixing something that is broken or failed in you.  Be a living example of “namaste”, see the light in yourself first.

“In order to carry a positive action, we must develop here a positive vision.”  – Dalai Lama

• Be a man (or woman) of action.  Bring your intention to life with action.  A worthy idea or intention is an important first step.  The next step is to channel energy and action.  How can you feed and fuel the intention that has formed in your heart?  How can you live it with every cell of your being?
• Drishti.   Distractions of life will pull your focus away from your intention or sankalpa.  How can you keep this desire in your sight?  Remind, revisit, and renew.  Add reminders like a piece of jewelry, a listing on your to-do list, or an altar in your home.  Revisit on the mat, in meditation, in prayer, and in your daily activities.  Renew your commitment to your desire anytime focus is lost.  There is no need to adopt an attitude of defeat or failure, enew your commitment, realize again your divinity and move forward with renewed focus.

In this new year and in each day, I hope that you are inspired by your heart’s desire and in turn your heart’s desire energizes you!  Best wishes for your divine mission.  Happy New Year!