Dallas, Shatra and I were wildly impressed with all the great questions many of you asked us. (I believe Dallas will be addressing the many, many questions concerning YTT certification--a hugely popular topic in the yoga universe right now!) So I'd like to take this opportunity to answer a question I was asked: "What is setting an intention?" and, "Why do it?"
In my classes, after a few breathing exercises and neck stretches in easy seated pose, I like to take a few minutes to center; to set an intention for our practice. It can be something as simple as, "I am dedicating all 15 minutes of yoga practice to myself, to be present and to honor my body." (And just to be clear, I don't mean honor MY body, Peter, it means to honor your own body-ok?) Setting an intention is an important part of the practice as it serves to center your mind allowing mental congruence with physical asana. I hope this helps and thanks again for the great question!
On another note: There seems to be a bit of confusion surrounding the location of next Thursday's class. It will be held on loading dock "A" back behind the furniture store. I think word of mouth got a bit wacky that we were adding an "underachiever's" class..... What I meant was we will meet "under (platform) A (for) Cheever's Yoga". Nothing like outdoor yoga--We've got a couple of space heaters but we could always use more because there's nothing worse than a stiff body or a crunchy yoga mat.
Shanti, Liz
Liz,
ReplyDeleteDue to unforeseen circumstances (I'm still digging Blackberry fragments out of my face) I didn't get to ask you my question about intentions. Is setting an intention like a birthday wish? Can you count on it to come true? Should it really be said allowed or does that ruin it? Can an intention be material? Like, now that my old Curve is in a 1000 pieces, can I wish for something better than that POS, like an iPhone or Droid? Maybe you could help me with that decision?
Ok, that's more than one question, but who's counting?
Your buddy Pete
Oops. I didn't mean "allowed". I meant "aloud". Is that Freudian? Did you know he was of northern germanic descent too? We're known for more than just our awesome bodies, you know. Put that in your hooka.
ReplyDeletePete
Dear not-quite-yet-if-ever my buddy Pete,
ReplyDeleteHere is my solicited advice: Should you choose to continue texting while driving (against the law, btw, in 32 states plus Guam according to the GHSA), the chance of imprinting another cellular manufacturer's name on your forehead increases. So, I think you should choose a new phone that, reading right to left, leaves the bruised markings of contemporary body art most commensurate with a Hindu mantra. I suggest "alorot-oM".
Perhaps you would also consider purchasing a phone without a camera? The constant picture taking during class is bothering some of the other students.
Shanti--Liz
p.s. Setting an intention is best described as a quiet moment promise to yourself. It is the magical internal communication of hearing your own voice. Simply put--It is your raw desire and if you want it to come true; it will, but only if it is important above all else.