By
Nancy Hall, MA, NCC, LPC
In an effort to take
the “manic” out of “Monday,” this weekly post explores techniques, issues,
latest research, and other thoughts on meditation. Nancy facilitates two weekly
meditation groups at The Awakening Center. For more information, contact her at
773.929.6262, extension 17 or nancyhalltac@gmail.com
If you’ve ever been to a yoga or meditation class, you
probably have been asked to set an intention
for your practice. The idea is to create a vision for yourself—to add some
agency. Meditation in particular can feel like a passive activity and setting
an intention can shift this.
However, what happens when the intention becomes a
distraction? And what about when you don’t “measure up” to your intention? Judgement.
Self-criticism.
For some, intention-setting in meditation can shift the
focus from the present to the future. It can turn the practice into a
results-oriented endeavor. Which is why I like to offer my group participants
an alternative.
“Take a moment to welcome yourself into your practice.”
There is a sneaky intention there—to come into the present.
Whenever we welcome ourselves into a moment or activity, we orient ourselves to
the present. And we take ourselves out of the sidelines. We open the door to
full participation and it becomes harder to be a passive participant in our own
lives.
Welcoming yourself can take a variety of forms. It might be
mentally noting what you’re doing--“I’m at work now.” “I’m am talking with my
friend now.” You might also observe what’s happening in your body—“My stomach
has a knot.” “My palms feel tingly.”
Sometimes the story we tell ourselves about our lives can
create a barrier to coming into the present moment. If we’re ruminating about
what the boss thinks, focusing on the tasks at hand become even more difficult.
However, acknowledging what you’re doing in that moment takes you out of your
head and into your life.
So take a moment to welcome yourself into your day.
Enjoy your practice.
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