Setting an Intention

Why do we set an intention in yoga? I think this can be the most difficult part of the practice at times. Often I, I know I explain it as, the intention is there so that if your mind wanders of your practice bring it back to your mat with your intention. Upon reflection, I get that is an abstract answer! For years I really didn't know what intention to set or how to come back to it off the mat. I then began to set my intention to reflect how I wanted to cultivate my thinking on an off the mat. I started with a little mantra, "I am aware." I needed to be aware of what was around me, what was happening both inside and outside with my reactions, staying focused to invoke a positive shift. I needed to be aware of my movements on the mat so I didn't strain myself (I can be too competitive) and aware of my actions, tone, and facial reactions to those around me. Being intentional in my reactions as I was in my thoughts. My intention reminded me to take pause on and off the mat. This year I have moved to words to say "I am at peace," "I am grateful," or "I am love." I like to offer these intentions in class and come back to them throughout my practice while revisiting my breath on the mat or as a reflection of the quality or virtue I want to embody in my everyday life. In my own practice setting in intention was initially deliberate and a little bit of work. The mindfulness was a deliberate practice on my part before I could be embedded to my daily life creating the positive energy and focus both on and off my mat.