Intention Setting: Bringing Truth to LIGHT

During the month of January I led a three week Intention Setting Retreat. I wanted to offer a different approach to New Year’s resolutions and tune into the wisdom in the yogic tradition regarding our intentions and discovering our deepest Truth.

In order to discover our Truth we have to ask the question, “Are the desires of our heart coming from our ego or from our Truth?” In order to know the answer we need to develop deep listening to ourselves and the Truth within. I’m struck by the parallels between yogic intention setting and the process of Ignatian discernment. They both begin from the premise that we have what we need. It is a model of abundance rather than scarcity. This is in stark contrast to the way our culture tries to convince us everyday that we do not have enough of anything and consequently we turn to materialism and massive consumerism for consolation. The Truth is that we do have what we need. The challenge is accessing it.

Yoga asana and breathwork are powerful vehicles. They invite us into the present moment which enables us to tune out distraction and focus on being. There, in the stillness, we can be in touch with our True self. From an Ignatian lens, this True self is the Beloved Child of God. Here, in the stillness of a strong Warrior Pose I can bow my head and surrender to the Truth. I can honestly acknowledge the times when I have lived in contrast to that Truth and then ground my feet, use my breath and raise my hands above my head and stand tall in the knowledge that I am not defined by any one decision. I am always both being and becoming. I live my Truth from the inside out.

Peace,

Catherine