January 17, 2020
Sometimes we find that our New Year’s resolutions, though well intended, can cause us feelings of guilt and defeat instead. Yesterday, in my yoga class, my teacher shared the Sanskrit word “Sankalpa” which translates best to “intention.” At the start of each class, we are asked to set an intention – one word we want to focus on during our yoga class. I began to extend this practice to my daily life and, instead of a typical New Year’s resolution, I have chosen a word of intention for the year ahead.
The last two years, I have focused on “Joy” and “Flow” – and, in centering on these words, it has helped me create more of both in my life. This year after the holidays, I went hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains to unwind and focus on the coming year. I found “Trust” to be the word that resonated most for me. In 2020, I have the intention to remember to “Trust” – that no matter what comes my way, I will trust the process and to turn what might look like a negative into a positive.
For example, I cannot begin to think how many miles I have driven over the course of my life. But when I am in a traffic jam or rushed for time, I have learned to remind myself that this too will pass and to “Trust” some good will come from my time spent in traffic. I try to find soothing music to listen to, become aware of my breathing, and give thanks for being made to slow down. I have found this causes me to be more grateful for the process.
Whatever you have chosen as a resolution or intention – be it a goal to get healthy, take a break from social media, or do more for others – I wish you success and I hope you will “Trust” the process wherever it takes you.
Written by: Michelle Rich Goode
