I was reflecting this morning on how I wanted to begin anew in 2018, and wanted to share a practice that I will be embracing: Create an intention every day.
Intentions are not goals or phrases to control behavior. They don’t need to be clever or fancy. Intentions are a means for directing the mind and energy in your life.
Let’s face it we all get caught up in negative thought loops. For some, these loops are occasional, and for others they are an endless barrage of harmful thoughts unconsciously programmed into the psyche. We even recognize these nasty, unkind thoughts and redirect or push them away. Many of us focus on gratitude or something positive. And, that’s okay. But if something is bugging you, you need to process through it to really release it and let it go.
We all have lots of tricks we use to fight off the unwanted negativity of the mind. I get busy and put my attention and energy into work; this is something I believe is productive and positive. When things are really crazy, I clean. Yes, it is a feeble attempt to control something that is uncontrollable.
My daily practice of svadhyaya (self-study) helps me get closer to the ‘REAL’ me, and I thought it might help you. Svadhyaya allows you to observe non-judgmentally the antics of the mind. And it moves you toward your own Radiant Divine Self. So, if you are interested in moving toward the highest, best version of ‘Self’, here are the steps:
- Journal every single day, preferably in the morning because you are the creator of your own reality. Take 15 – 30 minutes and write down anything that is in your mind. If you are struggling with something – write it – get it out of your mind! If you’re happy or excited – write that as well.
- Find the gift of the struggle or happiness and – write that! There is always a gift even in the midst of great grief, loss and pain. Really “feel” the gift and blessing that this situation offers.
- Create an intention for your day. Write it in the present positive tense. For example: I am smiling at everyone I see today; I accept everything as a message from the universe; I am loved and I love.
- Then sit back and observe the power of intention in action. Notice how the day unfolds. Notice when the intention kicks in, and when you forgot about it. Don’t give yourself a hard time if the intention “doesn’t work”. Just notice it, write about it tomorrow and start again.
The magic happens over time. That’s why we call it practice.
Wishing you all a lifetime of peace, love and blessings,
Susan Smith
One-Yoga
