Power of Embodied Intentions
Recently, I took part in a Yoga training, and before registering I asked myself about the motive behind my decision.
In Vedic philosophy, there's a concept called "Sankalpa", which is about intention. It's not just a passing thought; Sankalpa is a potent force capable of materializing in our physical world. The quality of our intentions influences the outcomes of our actions. This is the first step toward transformation. Sankalpa comes from two words, “San” means “to become one with” and “kalpa” means “time” and “subconscious mind.”
I incorporate intentions into my life all the time. The “why” changes my mindset. These intentions aren't just mental wishes; they're embodied. This means feeling in the present moment the realization of my intention. For example, if I want to lose 10 pounds, embodying that intention involves changing my mindset to consistently make healthy choices, and feeling the effects of reaching my goal now.
For an intention to become Sankalpa, we need to focus on the mind, a greater consciousness, and time.
In simple terms, the mind is composed of two elements: the ego and the intellect. The ego relies on past experiences to stay in charge, trying to protect us from the unknown, but it frequently traps us in repeating the same old patterns. On the contrary, the intellect grants us the capacity to assess our experiences without the burden of memory or egoic judgment.
As we cultivate a tranquil mind, the ego rests and the Intellect gives the initial shift towards what aligns with our true selves. And we can observe in our physical reality that our mind directs us toward choices that resonate with our intentions.
Our minds alone can't fully embody our intentions. The deeper "why" behind our intentions comes from within and our connection to something greater than ourselves. For example, if we want to lose 10 pounds. Why do I want to lose weight? And after the first answer, I keep asking “why?” until I find the authentic purpose. This thread of questions will lead us to our inner awareness to a broader consciousness, which we might call “Universal Consciousness, Divine, Higher Mind, or God”—it's up to us.
Without tapping into this highest awareness, our intentions won't evolve into what truly is right for us.
Now, to foster a connection within and with a broader consciousness, we need to cultivate awareness of time. Instead of viewing time as a linear progression from past to present to future, envision it as a vast expanse where all events—past, present, and future—coexist and intertwine. In this perspective, we transcend the constraints of time. We create in our minds and feel in our bodies what we aim to achieve. Take, for instance, the goal of losing weight. By bringing our future aspirations into the present moment, our minds naturally pave the way for adopting healthier eating habits, engaging in physical activity, and reducing stress levels, because, in the present moment, we feel already good. If we don’t feel good in the moment is because we are projecting ourselves in the future. The future is unpredictable and always brings the ego in control which will bring the loop of past events, when we tried to lose weight and it didn’t work, and so on. So living in the present moment, feeling within our intention will calm the mind and allow the Intellect to stay engaged in our experience of losing weight.
Let me share a recent experience to illustrate this point. I recently participated in a Yin Yoga Teacher Training. Unlike the active engagement of muscles in a vinyasa practice, Yin Yoga focuses on targeting the body's deeper tissues, ligaments, and joints. As I practiced, I shifted my focus from actively engaging my muscles to allowing them to relax, tuning into the sensations within and extending my awareness beyond my physical body. Instead of fixating on a specific goal or perceiving time linearly, I embraced the present moment fully. This shift in intention during my practice allowed me to reconnect with myself on a deeper level and receive the full benefit of Yin practice.
By the end of the training, I was amazed by the personal transformation I experienced simply through the power of intention. I realized that I could have approached the training with a different mindset, but by understanding and embracing the purpose behind our practice, I chose to make that purpose my intention.
Choosing an intention that has the potential to transform our lives often requires some introspection. Journaling and engaging in self-reflection can be valuable preparatory steps. By taking the time to explore our thoughts and feelings on paper, we can gain clarity about what truly matters to us. Then, through meditation and mindful living, we can start to embody that intention in our daily lives. It's important to recognize that transformation is not a distant goal but a continuous process unfolding in the present moment.