Setting an Intention

Mindfulness Talk:

I was hiking after work, and heard a man wailing in the woods.  He was crying out, “why, why, why”.  He was in despair.  I wanted to make sure he wasn’t hurting himself, but I wasn’t sure what else I could do.  So I stepped off the path and waited.  I waited and I witnessed.  After a while, he exited onto the path, head down, and hurried off.  

For the rest of my walk, I consciously sent healing thoughts his way.  I quieted my mind and thought only of him and the healing he may need.  He was not alone that day.

I’ve begun many yoga classes by setting a personal intention, a sankalpa.  A Sankalpa is a longing of your inner heart, something that will bring you closer to your own truth. It’s a phrase, a mantra, a prayer, or even an image.  As Anna Sugarman eloquently says, it is more grounded than a wish; more serious than a resolution; less complicated than either.   

Fixing my intention on an unknown stranger made me feel that he was known and that, by extension, I am known.  If we are being cared for by people unseen, imagine how much we are truly seen. 

Until next time, 

Laura

Meditation:

Note: This type of meditation can be done sitting or moving.

Search your mind for a longing that you may have. Or, choose a longing for another person or group of people. Then find a phrase or a mantra or a prayer to repeat.

Begin to breathe. Play around with your repeated words until you match them with your breath. Perhaps inhale half the words, exhale the other half. When you have found a rhythm, begin the meditation.

Breathe and repeat.

Breathe and repeat.

Breathe and repeat.

This deep concentration may be your meditation today.

If you notice that a thought or emotion or image arises, go ahead and notice it. It’s ok if your words soften to a whisper in your head or even pause. When the thought/emotion/image is ready to float away, return to your breathing/repeating rhythm.

When you are ready, rub your fingers together and take three cleansing breaths.