The Power Of Intention

What We Think We Become
Life follows our thoughts, so when we don’t get specific and deliberate with those thoughts, we end up reacting to life instead of being the drivers of our life. Our power comes from training our attention toward what we want, which we can do by setting the intention for it in advance. Once we get clear on our intentions, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible.

Why Set Intentions
If you’ve been to a few yoga classes, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “set an intention.” Intentions must come from your heart, they are not the tangible “lose 10 pounds” or “get that promotion” kind of goals that you set. They are heart-driven and evoke feeling and purpose, like “practice being compassionate to myself and to others,” “open my heart,” and “be courageous”... Setting an intention is a way to bring your heart and mind into alignment, and set you up for future achievement.

Create an Intention
Think about your values and future goals—long-term, short-term, tangible, emotional. Try journaling for 3-5 pages and write down everything you want to manifest in your life. Be really clear and honest about what you want, then choose the intention that you want to focus on right now (don’t worry, you can switch gears to other intentions later). Keep the intention positive. For example, instead of “I will be less fearful”, say “I will be courageous”.

Here are some thought-starters to help you get started in forming an intention:
* What matters most to you?
* What would you like to build, create, or nurture in your life?
* What would you like to let go of?
* Who would you like to forgive in your life?
* What activity brings so much joy you lose track of time?
* How do you feel when you are your happiest self?
* What makes you proud?
* What word(s) would you like to align yourself with?
* What fears would you like to release?
* What are you grateful for?

Put It into Practice
Want to create the life you really want? It all starts with getting up close and personal with your intention. Once you have journaled and gained clarity, write down your intention in a phrase or sentence. This is far more powerful than people think. Repeat it out loud when you wake up and before you go to sleep, recite it to yourself during yoga, recite it to your pet, write it on a card and put it in your wallet or on your bathroom mirror—whatever keeps it top of mind. Call it to the center of your mind when you need a guide or feel frazzled.

Intentions are a wonderful way to help you stay grounded and reconnect with what matters most. What we say to ourselves on a daily basis impacts just about everything in our lives, so setting a positive intention and repeating it often can be a total game-changer in manifesting what we really want.

Our Intention Creates Our Reality
By purposely setting an intention, we get a chance to redirect our thoughts in ways that allow our desired end result to come to fruition. We get out of our own way and stop sabotaging our happy endings!

Once you have set your intentions, you can then set goals. If working toward a major goal feels overwhelming, break it down into smaller, more easily attainable steps. Sometimes, when a goal is big, it’s best to break that goal into smaller easier to do steps that you can accomplish. That leads to momentum. And momentum takes you across the finish line to reaching your ultimate goal.

If you want to become more present, learn to better manage your stress, and improve your confidence, consider yoga, meditation and/or partnering with a certified life coach to support you along the way.

Curious what coaching is all about? Learn about the coaching process and how it can help you set intentions and reach your goals — and schedule a free 30 minute coaching session with Lana.

“Intentions compressed into words enfold magical power.” ~Deepak Chopra

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