What is at the core center of our artistic and individually
unique practices in life?
For me, there are infinite reasons why I practice yoga: To
balance my chakras, to reduce anxiety and stress, to truly understand my body,
to become closer to my lover, to be in control of the energy around me, to
expand my aura, to become more flexible, to physically see progress, to improve
my digestive system, to strengthen my body, to focus my mind, to lengthen my
spine, to stay true to my inner self, to build friendships, to release
negativity, and to create all things beautiful and inspirational.
Pincha Mayurasana (Forearm Stand) variation
However, the center can be extremely difficult to find. Especially in the beginning.
When I began practicing last year, UAB CRCT yoga instructor Shawn Galin taught his classes something that I have continued to this day.
Before each practice, instructor Shawn asked us to set an intention for the
class. At first, I was a little confused and honestly a little intimidated by
this simple task. Although, as a self-improvement freak, I immediately raced
through the list in my head of all the things I wanted to improve on. For many
months, my intentions were often trivial, college-girl desires such as, "I
want to improve my grade in this class" or "I want to eat
healthier." While these are undeniably healthy and productive goals to set,
they weren't what I truly desired. In fact, it wasn't until I stopped asking
myself what I wanted that I truly received it.
My first mistake was beginning my intentions with, "I
want." Everyone wants something, but when you apply your desire to your
practice, you will attain it. Wanting
is superficial, but willing produces real-life progress! I finally understood this
amidst a yoga high in a 105*F Bikram yoga class (perhaps influenced by my
delusional state), which brings me to my next point.
Your body knows you better than you think; so, let it set
the intention for you. This seems like a catch-22 because we are conditioned to
set an intention before embarking on that mission. Don't be afraid to begin
your practice without a single idea of what that intention is. Just be open to
what your body tells you. If you are truly engaged in your practice, it never
halts or ends; it can only begin. So what if you realize your intention in the
last 10 minutes of a 90-minute class…or even three days after. That intention is infinite, as is your
capability to achieve it, as is the consequences it produces. Once, I asked a
yoga instructor what influences him to guide a class. He simply responded,
"My movements lead my words."
Bakasana (Crow Pose)
After I learned these two things, my body taught me the
rest. For example, the concentration or depletion of energy from certain parts
of my body revealed inner turmoil or strengths. Once I began setting intentions
based on my body's reaction to my practice, all other facets of my life became
simpler, more enjoyable, and more relatable.
The best intention I ever set for myself is this: I will
thank myself for all my hard work and dedication.
So, I pose these questions to you, dear reader. Is there a
center to your practice? How do you set intentions? And most importantly, have
you given yourself a "thank you" and pat on the back for all your
hard work? Reader, I'd like to thank you. I'd like to thank you for taking the
time out of your schedule to read this blog. I'd like to thank you for caring
enough about yourself to have a practice and to set these intentions. I'd like
to thank you for being YOU and for
letting your light radiate wherever you are.
Shine on, beautiful being!
