Month One: Intention
I always giggle when I am given material (aka real life experiences) to use as examples in my classes and workshops. These examples provide reminders of what happens when my life becomes imbalanced. Old habit patterns of judgment, inferiority, and doubt kick into full swing. These are the times when I add too many responsibilities to my plate (the classic overachiever, perfectionist). These are the times when I grow overwhelmed (the victim role). These are the times when I create dis-connection, distance, separation from myself and all those close to me. I shut down and assume auto pilot mode. Before I found yoga, I could live on auto pilot mode for days, weeks, even months. One of the greatest gifts, I have personally experienced through yoga, is the ability to wake up. Over the years, I have learned to laugh at myself when I feel so self important and feel the need to overcompensate by adding to my plate. I have witnessed the pain and suffering from dis-connection. I am grateful that it takes much less time to recognize the signs of imbalance in my life because of yoga.
Each year, I create an intention. Intention gives way to purpose. With purpose, I am not quite as easily distracted. It's easier for me to stay focused and balanced. "Intention is defined as a course of action one tends to follow; an aim that guides action; an objective." Robin, Ingrid, and I have been having so much fun planning our upcoming workshop series, A Woman's Rite of Passage. The first month is about creating intention. I always ask myself two questions as I create an intention:
1. What do I want to create more of in my life? (ie. patience, compassion, forgiveness, balance, friendship, love, etc.)
2. In order to create space for my intention, what am I willing to let go of? (ie. self doubt, criticism, fear, anger)
Check back this week as we explore intention. I'd love to hear what intention means to you or what you do to create intention, purpose, aim in your life.
Namste',
Carrie
Intention – I remember my father saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” 40 years ago that didn’t make much sense to me. As I have matured, I see that good intentions do not always have positive outcomes. Just like Jane Austen’s Emma, my good intentions have often resulted in folly. So, I’ve shifted my take on intention to try to find the motivation behind a thought or action. I try to examine the driving force behind the things I do and try to align them with what I value. I realize that things happen regardless of my intent and usually these events are neither good nor bad, but the way I perceive them defines them in my life. I love these words, “May spirit stimulate my intellect so I am inspired to take the right action at the right time.“ I look forward to exploring the topic “intention.” I look forward to being inspired.
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