Good Intentions

I know I talk about yoga a lot in my blog, but it really is the one time during my week when I'm not only forced to slow down and be absolutely focused for an entire hour and fifteen minutes, but it's also the one place where the lessons I learn can be applied to nearly every other aspect of my life.

This morning I'm thinking about "setting my intention," just as we are told to set our intention prior to each yoga class. I'm pretty good about picking a different intention in yoga each week, such as focusing on strength, or confidence, or balance, etc. And I'm really good about concentrating on that intention for the entire duration of the class, but I just wish that my good intentions for yoga followed me outside of the studio more often than not.

So, instead of limiting myself to setting an intention for approximately one hour, once a week, I thought I'd set an intention for the entire week, which is simply "to have a very good week."

 I realize that statement is quite broad, so here is a detailed outline regarding what is currently on my mind:

a.) I will focus on positive thoughts and outcomes. 
b.) I will do whatever I have to do to bring myself up whenever I catch myself feeling down and not super confident.
c.) I will not "cheat myself" during any part of my workouts this week - no matter how painful they may be!
d.) I will not ruminate about my job dissatisfaction, and will instead remember to make the best of a not-so-perfect situation.
e.) I will remember to count my blessings and be thankful for what I already have and for the wonderful people in my life.
f.) I will focus on remembering the fact that "pushing through" set-backs and challenges is a big part of being successful.

I just had to re-read this list 900 times, if only to let these intentions really sink in. The items on this list sound nice and all, but they mean nothing if I don't actually believe them and keep them in the forefront of my brain. Maybe I should create flash cards or something and memorize them since that method worked so well for studying in college?

Anyway, whether positive or negative, "self-fulfilling prophecy" is a very powerful idea, and I truly believe that one can positively alter their experiences based on the personal decision to proceed through life with a passion for great expectations.