We all have goals. These are tangible landmarks, milestones, numbers we wish to reach through planned action- To have your product in 50 stores by 2012, to gain press in 5 major publications, to showcase at a major trade show, to open a new office, hire employees, travel overseas….. We log these goals in our brain, our planners, and our business plans.
What about our hearts??
To keep my heart open and my brain a little less overwhelmed, I strive to have a meaningful and regular yoga practice. There is one aspect of yoga that continuously brings me strength, peace, and sometimes joy. Setting an intention. After warming up for a couple of minutes, most yogis suggest that you close your eyes and set an intention for your practice. Something you can always come back to, and focus on during the tougher moments of the practice. And it works!
An intention is different from a goal. It is the value you put into the "now"- To act courageously, to show compassion, to make decisions with integrity or my personal favorite, "To feel good about stuff."
Just like a difficult yoga pose, goals can be overwhelming, distant, and difficult to reach. By setting intentions, your heart gives your brain the tiny reminders it sometimes needs to balance the present with moving forward.
The benefits of setting an intention have spilled into my crazy world of entrepreneurship and self-employment. As we commence the new year, a lot of goal-setting occurs, I have spent countless minutes making lists and setting plans myself and Single Needle. At the times of pure bogged-down-ness, I try to step back, breathe, and remember my intention.
More often than not, I am able to trust my intentions and get a good nights sleep.
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