2021 Setting Intentions

With the craziness of 2020 now behind us, we are ready to move into 2021 starting off with a nice, fresh clean slate. January is a time where intentions and goals are set, but most people’s intentions fall by the wayside come February or March. This often happens because we are too hard on ourselves, set goals that are too high, and we just simply get distracted.

The goal of yoga is to attain perfection. Wait, what? Yes, perfection. However, perfection in yoga is defined differently. It is the removal of all obstacles, attachments, and desires to reach the ultimate goal of peace, happiness, and ultimate liberation of divine love for God, Higher Self, the universe, or whatever it means to you. And yoga, asanas (poses), meditation, pranayama (breathwork), is the practice towards achieving this goal.

In practicing these types of yoga, firstly, the asanas, not only keep our bodies physically strong and flexible, but it is the practice of self-control; secondly, pranayama is the practice of breath control; and lastly, meditation is the practice of mental control. All these forms of yoga are necessary in removing physical and mental obstacles to purify the physical body, the mind, and the soul.

All things considered, you do not need to be perfect, in how most of us define perfection, and you do not have to be an experienced yogi or a guru. Mostly important, I want to note that even the smallest act towards your goal or just fact that you have the mindset or desire to reach the goal of perfection is merely enough.

Finally, however you choose to practice, whether it is a few minutes of meditation, yoga poses, just breathing, going for a walk, praying, reading inspirational books, or whatever it is that helps you clear your mind and body of obstacles, you will always maintain your goals and intentions. So be proud of every little thing that you do that helps you get through the ups and downs of life. Be grateful for where you are at in your life right now, knowing that no effort is wasted on this journey. Never give up. Learn to be humble and kind just like in the Tim McGraw song. And if you implement and devote yourself to these practices every day, you will be well on your way to perfection in 2021 and beyond.

“That is, a beginner has to begin with the devotion consisting of the ritualistic path but ultimately reaches the supreme goal. Without some attraction for devotion one will not begin his journey which ultimately matures into the supreme love.” ~Narada Bhakti Sutras