A Practice of Intention
Posted in client stories hints of inspiration by on Jul 8 2010
We caught up with yoga instructor, philosopher, friend and Grace Delivers client Jennifer Bonadio to get some practical counsel on an everyday practice of intention. This is what she had to say.
“The phrase ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ has become quite a common slogan…almost a cliché’. So often, mainstream slogans can lack substance, but here is one that offers some real wisdom for our life and times. How can we apply the wisdom embedded in these words to ourselves and a life full of challenges?
To me, ‘be the change’ means to take back the power that is rightfully ours – the power to choose our own mindset…to choose the focus of our energy and attention. This is a very practical way to define our ‘freedom’ and responsibility. What we want to experience in our lives, we must become through choice first – in other words, make it an intention.
This is both simple and quite challenging! It takes PRACTICE. So here is a simple practice that you can do that can help you to learn to ‘be the change’.
Take a few minutes for yourself and have in mind a change that you want to make in your life or that you want to see in the world, something that is meaningful to you. Sit or lie down comfortably.
1. Take several deep breaths and relax, quieting your mind as much as you can. Keep your breath relaxed and steady as possible (if you get distracted, just keep coming back to this first step – your breath).
2. Bring your attention to your heart, as if you are breathing in and out through your heart area.
3. Now think of the change you want to see. What is the FEELING quality of that change? For example, if it is peace you want, actually feel that in your heart…how would that FEEL? Do not concern yourself too much with what that looks like – focus on the FEELING.
4. Now stay with that feeling and breathe for a few moments. Take another moment to make an intention to create this feeling more in your life.
The best motivation for change is ….LOVE! The way we feel in our hearts and our beings affects not only our own personal wellness, but everyone around us – this is how we influence others. So our motivation and sense of responsibility for change becomes not just an intention for a better quality of life for ourselves, but for others as well.”
Try it- and let us know how it works for you!
Jennifer Bonadio is a yoga teacher and human potential enthusiast with decades of experience in body/mind/spirit care counseling. Stay tuned for the launch of her upcoming blog, www.oneyogalove.com.
