What is the intention behind your intention? – Yoga path conversations

Growing up, they taught me to pray. But when it was the type of prayer in which I was asking for something, it was always noted that one might ask, but it may not be answered as one wants. As a father, I understand this precaution because an apparently unanswered prayer could move a child from hope. But in retrospect, that caution created a feeling of reluctance within me.

It is difficult to express our needs, and even more difficult to express our needs and then make a request. So, the idea of ​​starting a yoga class by establishing an intention for me was felt uncomfortably forward. So I spent years establishing general intentions of world peace. Now, there is clearly nothing wrong with sending peace to the world. But after reflection, I think that most of the time the intention behind my intention was to avoid. Although it is sincere, a quick intention of world peace allowed me to avoid exploring my current emotional needs or requests.

But now I’m getting stronger. Defining intentional with my intentions is beginning to slow down; Challenging me to make space for my desires and needs. What emotions do I need and I want to cultivate in my life at this time?

And once we are strong enough to prioritize and intentionalize our emotions, an even more powerful force begins to reveal itself: manifest. Recently they told me: “If we do not use our emotions to express our future, our emotions will surely take care and do so for us.” Intentionally forming my future in a yoga class, as intentionally my breathing in that same class. Wow. I think I am strong enough to start clinging to that.

Until next time

Laura