Our intention dictates everything. It is at the root of our choices and actions, which ripple out into the world, hopefully creating a better place for all beings. We don’t even realize how much our intentions affect the entire world, but they do. When we set the right intention, we become conscious beings. We become aware. We understand our motivations and why we operate the way we do. Becoming conscious human beings is central to the path of yoga and the path of awakening.
(Related question: Why is it important to meditate with the right intention?)
Practicing with good intentions is a lifelong activity that unfolds in beautiful ways. When we set an intention before we start a yoga session, we get in touch with our deepest desires and our authentic self. These loving intentions really do affect our yoga practice as well as the rest of our lives. And the more we practice with the right intention, the more we see good things happening for not only us, but our loved ones, too. Our intentions are energetic, and they touch everyone we meet.
Therefore, we have to be responsible with our intentions. We need to know they are contributing to the greater good of humanity. Our good intentions help us evolve as spiritual beings – as light workers on the planet. We want them to be the right ones because they are at the very heart of all of our plans, projects, actions and other doings in the world. Our intentions show us whether we’re coming from a place of Spirit or of ego. Seeing them clearly helps us ascertain whether we are about to cause harm or bring love.
Just like with any practice, the more we do it, the easier it becomes. The more we practice with the right intentions on our yoga mat, the more we’ll practice with the right intentions in our lives, and THAT is one of the primary goals of the spiritual path.