Intentions

At the start of every class I have been introducing a "Sanskrit Word of the Week" where I tell you its meaning and we set an intention.  Usually the intention and sanskrit word create a theme that helps drive our asana practice.  But what exactly is an intention??

“Our intention creates our reality.” Wayne Dyer

The sanskrit word for intention is "Sankalpa"- "it’s a representation of a desire or positive thought that you want to manifest in the world, a promise you make to yourself." 

The intention is set at the beginning of class so that we can reflect on what that is and connect it with our physical practice, or asanas.  We want to refer back to this intention throughout class and let it stay with us even after we leave our mats.  

For the longest time, I went to yoga because I wanted to be more flexible, put my body in crazy positions it's never been in before, and overall yoga just made me feel good.  I couldn't explain why until I realized that over time I was unintentionally creating self awareness, reflecting thoughtfully about myself and influence in the world, and I was changing my actions in a positive way because of it.  I didn't know if my intentions set in class were "right" or what it even meant to set an intention.  I just knew that I could create my own space for the time I was on my mat and learn; learn about myself, learn about focus, learn about a practice of an ancient culture, and open myself to a world of possibilities beyond myself.

I created a list of themes and sanskrit words we've covered in class so far.  Come back to the intention you set in your class.  Did you carry out your promise to yourself?  Did it cultivate mental clarity?  Emotional well being?  Did you even notice a change in your lifestyle?  Reflect on these things and I'll meet you on your mat. 

Namaste,

Amanda 

Collection of Past Words and Themes:

• Prana (Energy)- Creating and Sustaining Positive Energy
• Vishudda (Communication/Throat 4th Chakra)- Ways to communicate and motivate others
• Svadhyaya (Self Study)- Body awareness and learning how to notice slight changes in our bodies
• Anahata (Heart/4th Chakra)- How we show love to ourselves and others
• Drishti (Focal Point)- Keeping your eye on the goal and setting steps to reach it
• Ananda (Pure Bliss)- Finding the good in any situation

Svadhyaya

This week is all about YOU!  Yoga is a self study and svadhyaya is a sanskrit word that embraces just that.  Svadhyaya literally means "one's own lesson".  This is done through meditation and asana practice.  Every time you meet your mat, you are giving yourself a lesson in body awareness, noticing the never-ending changes that are happening as your body transforms.  Self fulfilling prophesy is believing you can or can't do something and then living it out.  Svadhyaya is about becoming aware of what you can do/be and living that.  Human bodies are amazing and can do amazing things- but it takes work, belief, and perseverance.  Embrace your self study to help knock down the mental barriers you put up in your mind, blocking you from growth.  I have been hearing so many sighs of struggle in class lately, but know that those sighs are helping you get to the future.  Work through that and this week believe that you will get there eventually.

DRISHTI

Our sanskrit word this week is "drishti" meaning focal point. This is usually in reference to concentrating as you meditate or balance in an asana. If you're having a hard time balancing during the physical practice of yoga, try focusing on a single point on the ground not moving. When adjusting your drishti, move your gaze slowly, concentrating on how your body changes as your drishti does. When you're meditating, your drishti becomes more abstract. I read a really good article explaining drishti:

"The ancient yogis discovered that where our gaze is directed our attention naturally follows, and that the quality of our gazing is directly reflected in the quality of our mental thoughts. When the gaze is fixed on a single point the mind is diminished from being stimulated by all other external objects. And when the gaze is fixed on a single point within the body, our awareness draws inwards and the mind remains undisturbed by external stimuli. Thus, the use of a drishti allows the mind to focus and move into a deep state of concentration. "  Read the whole article here.

 This week, as you focus on an intention for your practice, the theme is to dwell on the little things that make you smile, make you excited, lift you up- even if it's just momentarily.  I often reference my kindergarten class in yogaRX.  This week's intention reminds me of a daily routine we have in kindergarten to "Fill the Bucket".  Each of us has an invisible bucket over our heads.  When things happen throughout our day that are unpleasant, some of the water drips out of our bucket.  Our negative inner feelings become negative actions and attitude.  BUT, alternatively, if we focus on the positive little parts of the day, it can work to fill the bucket, creating a better attitude which leads to friendlier actions… a way of "paying it forward" so to speak.  In honoring each other, we practice daily shout-outs that help fill up each other's "buckets."  When we give a shout-out it works to benefit the giver as well as the receiver because spreading the joy manifests joy itself.  It creates a domino effect that really makes everyone feel good- and isn't that the point?

Bring an intention to your practice to add up the small victories in your day, creating a happiness that brighten the lives of everyone.

ANANDA

Yoga- without the philosophy we are just stretching.  

Yoga is a self-study; a practice in body and mind awareness.  Yoga takes dedication, time, and openness.  Therefore, in practicing we will always have an intention or a reason for bringing ourselves to the mat.  We dedicate that time to our personal  intention and think about it often as it's weaved in every movement.

Thus... "Word of the Week" has begun!  Sanskrit is the classical Indian language that yoga is derived from.  Sanskrit words are the original names for asana (posture) and philosophy in our yoga practice.  This week's Word of the Week is ananda.  Ananda is finding bliss in everything.  It's the happiest form of yourself.  Sometimes it's easy to dwell on the hard stuff or negative emotions, but ananda offers an opportunity to find the light in the situation.  Bad things happen (I like stating the obvious), but you can choose your reaction:  negativity or happiness.  It's your decision... and your energy is contagious.  So choose ananda and spread your bliss.