Which is stronger, your habits or your intentions?

For most of us, it’s our habits – those regular behavioral patterns that have become practically unconscious. Though some habits are healthy – like brushing your teeth – many are not. One of the bigger problems with having unhealthy, unconscious habits is that they dissipate our energy, leaving very little reserve for our intentions.

And is it not our intentions, as opposed to our habits, that really form the basis of a life that we feel would bring us joy? Then why is it so difficult to follow-thru on our intentions?

Yoga Therapist Gary Kraftsow suggests that we need to ask ourselves what we want to accomplish before passing on, as life is short. Then, take a daily look into the mirror of our lives to examine if our thoughts, words and actions are congruent with these values.

In addition, our minds tend to get very distracted and easily caught up in the dramas du jour. One of the outcomes of a regular meditation practice is a more disciplined mind that can stay focused on what’s important to us.

Asanas, pranayama and meditation – all aspects of a Hatha Yoga class – are challenging and build prana (life force), determination, and inner strength. Combined, these aspects of a regular Yoga practice are the perfect recipe for living a joyful life more closely aligned with our principles and values.

Now, if only I could add a heaping scoopful of chocolate to this recipe... 🙂