Intentions for the New Year

by Cheng-Ling Chen — January 14, 2008

My sister, a friend, and I spent New Year's Day at a one-day yoga retreat at a ranch. The teacher led us through a deep two and a half hour practice. "No rush," she said, "no rush for a new beginning." She asked us to listen to our breath and focus on any intentions that may surface during the practice.

When we moved into Tree Pose, I felt unusually balanced. I stood steady on one foot, then the other, for a long time. At times swaying quietly, I counterbalanced myself without losing grounding. I gazed out the windows at the rolling hills and the serene openness of the ranch before me. Far above the din of the city, away from the distractions of my life, I found clarity. I felt rooted in myself.

On our drive home, we shared our intentions gathered from the energy of the practice. My friend's intention was to be enough. Instead of trying to live up to worldly standards, this year she wants to simply be enough. My sister intends to be open to what the year may bring and embrace it fully. When asked about my intention, I thought about my Tree Pose. I thought about the strength and peace it gave me. "Rooted like a tree," I said, "however the winds may blow."