The start of a new year is a great time to reflect. I spent New Year with wonderful friends - and I was asked on numerous occasions what my ‘New Year resolutions’ were.
I didn’t have anything specific - and it was odd - because, in previous years, I have set myself some new 21 day challenges and resolutions, but like many, they burn out mid - January.
One of the friends I was away with shared an article around ‘intentions’ rather than resolutions - and of course, this really resonated with me, because within most of my yoga classes, I invite students to set an intention, to think about something they want from their practice, or something they want to invite more of, let go of or create a shift - and so for me I decided that rather than resolutions - what do I want to remind myself of and what do I want to shift.
So here I am sharing my ‘intentions’ in the hope that they may inspire you too - or indeed as just a reminder, that we don’t need to be so ‘fixed’ in our thinking or doing, that like life, and our yoga practice, we need to be flexible, take time out, embrace how we’re feeling and adapt to meet our needs - and to do so with love and kindness, to self.
Some of my intentions are highly practical, like ensuring my body is nurtured internally and externally - some more contemplative and reminders. The key is, I practice most of this everyday anyway… it’s just that I do so without ‘intention’ - without thinking about what I’m doing and how I’m being kind and nurturing to myself. Often our ‘intentions’ aren’t about creating something new, but reminding ourselves of all we do - and importantly, why… and noticing.
My intention for 2022 is that each day I feel that I have…
Nurtured my internal body with lemon and warm water - starting with 3 cups - cleansing and taking care of myself from the inside out - hydrating first thing with almost 1 litre (3 cups=900 ml).
Moved my body in some way to stretch and respect and use its wonderful strength and flexibility - to keep me nourished. Whether a walk, run, yoga or my morning ‘Nat’ workouts or a blend - I move everyday so I feel strong, flexible, clear and respectful of the needs of my body and mind.
Paused, rested, meditated and put things into perspective - a reminder that my world is not my thoughts - so not to let me and my mind get too caught up with stresses, worries and negative thoughts - particularly concerning others - because nothing stays the same … and it too shall pass.
Practiced gratitude - reminding myself of all I have, all I am and all I do with lots of respect and loving kindness to self.
Whatever your intentions… here’s to peace, good health, happiness and self love for 2022.
Mx