Putting Intentions Into Action… and what to do when we fail

“Where intention goes, energy flows.” James Redfield

What we do today creates how we feel tomorrow. But it’s not enough just to create an intention. We need to put it into action to reap the benefits. When we do yoga and set an intention at the start of class, our asanas become the roadmap; the “stops” along the way (where we check in for clarity, organization and focus) help us put our intention into action. In yoga, as in life, we go through our motions and sometimes lose our way. Successfully multitasking is a myth. Our best results happen when we’re focused. Stepping on the mat and “doing the work” is the check-in; to recalibrate, streamline our ideas and move forward.

Why do we set intentions in yoga? Our practice is a mind-body-spirit connection, but it doesn’t end when class is done. The work we do on the mat translates to what we do in our day-to-day lives. On the mat we focus on the breath (the ONE THING we actually can control!) but we’re shaping a discipline that we can practice OFF the mat. When we get flustered, angry or thrown off course, we use our breath to put us back on track. We feel better; Rinse, repeat (and then keep repeating, because let’s face it, life is hard!).

Whatever the qualities within ourselves we wish to change or improve, when we step on the mat, the opportunity emerges to put intentions into action. If learning patience is your goal, can you explore that when encountering a challenging asana? How do you control the breath in that moment? What feelings arise? Can you observe and then let go? Or maybe set an intention to open your heart or mind to something you’ve closed off. The practice we set up in yoga class reflects what we do in life. And in life, if we’re not growing, if we’re not moving forward, we may get stuck; stuck in old patterns, possibly repeating our mistakes. Just as in life.

You may find the more you’re able to carry the lessons from the mat into your life, the more changes you see. Try seeing things from a different lens. The next time you step on the mat, move a little out of your comfort zone. Set your intention to give a little love and kindness to a difficult person. Or, set your intention to not lose a beat with your breath when your day grows stressful. Notice how your intentions affect your days; celebrate the little wins and give yourself permission for slip-ups. We are all a work in progress!

But what happens when we fail? What happens if we set our intention then forget it? Or worse: abandon it? Many of us get hung up on new year’s resolutions and “doing things right.”

For starters, let’s all go a little easier on ourselves. Life throws us curveballs and we adapt. So when things go awry: let it go. Start over. Pick up when you’re ready and keep showing up to your yoga practice. With consistency, you’ll see the routines you set in asana practice showing up in other, perhaps greater, ways.