Setting an intention for a yoga pracitce isn't supposed to cause stress, yet many students over the years have privately shared with me that they dread hearing the words "set an intention for your yoga practice" at the top of class. Many say they feel lost, disconnected from what this means. Others feel paralyzed from self-imposed pressure to intend the "right thing" for themselves, bringing anxiety and self-doubt onto the mat.
To alleviate some of the stress, confusion, and resistance that surrounds intention setting in yoga, today's blog offers a variety of self-affirmations that can be used at the top of class to set a more personal tone for practice.
What is an Affirmation?
Affirmations generally refer to a positive thought for self-empowerment. In relations to a yoga practice, both intentions and affirmations provide time and space for us to stand still, breath deeply, and begin yoga practice from inner and outer quiet, as opposed to running into our practice space, throwing down a mat, and tumbling onto it in a rush, which I'm sure we have all done before!
Beginning a yoga practice with an intention in our minds and hearts, whether in the form of affirmations, a few mindful deep breaths, or a specific goal, word, thought, prayer, chant, or sound vibration, can clear space and direct the energy of our practice.
Affirmations for Summer Solstice Yoga
I encourage using affirmations as an additional tool to connect both inner spirit and physical asana practice with seasonal energies. Right now, Fire is the ruling element of early summer. Our abilities to feel, express, and embody joy and unconditional love are heightened at this time of year.
These joyful summer solstice energies also long to expand and spread, exhibited by participation in activities that connect us with love ones, reconnect us with old friends, or encourage forming new bonds. Many of us make new friends on summer vacations, while the rest of the year we may not connect with anyone outside our regular circle. It's no coincidence that summer is prime time for both family and school reunions and wedding season. Love vibrates within us more strongly at this time of year. The heart chakra is a ready conduit to guide us joyfully and fearlessly into the present moment, where love vibrates most purely.
I wrote the following affirmations included here and plan to introduce some of these during my upcoming summer solstice yoga workshop. Feel free to use anything here for your own personal practice or teaching. Keep them as is, or modify them to be more meaningful to you.
They incorporate words and visualizations that invite us to embrace and embody the physical, emotional, and spiritual energies of summer.
Affirmations for the Heart:
I am a radiant being, embracing the Fire element within me. I am open to love, creativity, and acceptance. My heart is bold, bright, and expansive. I am ready to express my true essence and have fun on this transformative journey.
I am grateful for the transformative power of the Fire element within me. I carry its warmth and light with me always. I radiate love and compassion to all beings. My creativity knows no limits, and I boldly manifest my heart's desires. I am an expansive being, embracing the joy and fun of life.
Affirmations for Creativity:
I am a vessel of compassion, nurturing the flames of my inner fire. My creativity flows effortlessly, and I accept myself fully. I am open to new possibilities and express my authentic self with joy. I embrace the boundless energy of the Fire element.
I am a radiant being, embracing the Fire element within me, expressing love, creativity, and acceptance.
I am grateful for the transformative power of the Fire element within me, radiating love, embracing boundless creativity, and boldly manifesting my heart's desires.
I am a vessel of love and acceptance, allowing my creativity to flow freely.
I am connected to the Fire element, harnessing its energy to manifest my intentions.
Affirmations for Self-Expression:
I am a vessel of compassion, nurturing my inner fire, and joyfully expressing my authentic self.
I am expressive and joyful, igniting my inner fire to shine brightly.
I am a beacon of inspiration, fueling my passions and embracing the Fire within.
I am compassion in action, nurturing my inner fire and expressing my authentic self.
I am bold, bright, and expansive, embracing the Fire element within me.
I am a radiant embodiment of the Fire element, expressing love, creativity, and acceptance.
One Word Affirmations:
These are ideal at the top of class when a longer affirmation is too hard to remember! I also love that one word intentions are so open to interpretation. I often use one word to focus my practice and then observe how I express it through my postures, breath, and mindset during yoga class.
Radiate
Nurture
Create
Transform
Shine
Love
Accept
Manifest
Inspire
Expand
Flow
In Closing
Have fun incorporating these affirmations for summer solstice yoga into your practice and daily routine. Energy follows thought, with much of our creative powers stemming from ideas in our minds, or emotional feelings in the heart. Creating space for these thoughts and feelings opens us to the synergy of giving and receiving, creating and letting go.
Please drop a comment below with which affirmations resonated most with you!
Enjoy the solstice!
Namaste,
Lara
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