New Year's Intentions

If you have ever been to a yoga class you have probably heard your instructor discuss "setting an intention" for your yoga practice. My wonderful yoga instructor Kelly inspired this post. You can check out her blog {HERE}. Setting 'intentions' rather than goals helps you stay in the present moment. Resolutions and goals are future-oriented with a definitive end. Some common resolutions include losing 10 pounds or quitting smoking. While it is good to set goals for yourself, it can cause you to focus too much on the future instead of getting to know yourself along your journey.

 Here is an excerpt from an article in Yoga Journal entitled "The Heart's Intention":

"Setting intention, at least according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different than goal making. It is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are "being" in the present moment. Your attention is on the ever-present "now" in the constantly changing flow of life. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your worldly actions with your inner values."

"As you gain insight through meditation, wise reflection, and moral living, your ability to act from your intentions blossoms. It is called a practice because it is an ever-renewing process. You don't just set your intentions and then forget about them; you live them every day." 

(The Heart's Intention, Phillip Moffitt)

So this year I have decided to set intentions for 2013 rather than resolutions. These intentions are not only for my yoga practice but are also for my everyday living.

• Continue to eat healthy and incorporate more clean eating into my diet
• Learn to let go of emotions and thoughts that do not enhance my spiritual and physical well-being
• Deepen my meditation and prayer practice and spend more time in God's word
• Work on viewing exercise as a form of worship rather than a punishment 
• Be more mindful of my words and actions toward others

Aside from my intentions, I also have a few goals that I have set for 2013. I think that by striving to live my intentions each day my goals will be much easier to attain.

• Get my Zumba certification in February (Yep, I signed up!!)
• Lose the rest of my weight to achieve my goal weight (24 pounds to go)
• Create a savings account budget 

I hope you all have a wonderful New Year!

I have received a lot of questions about Weight Watchers so I plan on posting about my experience this week. Also look for my Weigh-In post this week!

Do you have any intentions for the new year?
Do you have any goals?

Stay Fueled and Aflame!!