I think March – the third month of the year – is a good time to revisit hopes and intentions for the New Year. It’s a good time to check in and see how the original goals may be going, and it’s also not too late to set new ones (but really, is it ever too late?). If there is a goal that isn’t really moving, then maybe look at what might be preventing movement and what can be adjusted to assist further? What needs to be shifted or restructured for the remaining three quarters of the year?
In February, The Mat Yoga Studio offered intention bracelets printed there at the studio. This was a small metal disc (silver or rose gold were options) with the option to have one word printed on it – or one of a small number of symbols – that can then be worn as a reminder of one’s intention for the year.
Over the last few years, I’ve seen more posts about having one word for the year, instead of or in conjunction with one’s goals. And just as I might set an intention in a yoga class to come back to over the course of an hour, setting a word for the year can offer a similar point to come back to when life gets to be, well…life.
And as I started off, I don’t think it’s too late to find a word for this year. When I started thinking about my one word, I thought what did I wish for more of in the last year? What were maybe some of the moments I celebrated or the ways I was happy that I want to come back to in the upcoming months? When I landed on my word, it settled easily for me. I thought “okay, that’s it. That’s what I want to focus on in 2020.” I went through a couple of words, but I knew when I landed on the word I chose. It fit.
In the start to my year, I’ve come back to my word in the crazy moments, when my schedule is full and I look for the space in between the “busy-ness.” I’ve thought on my word in prior weeks when I wanted to savor the laughter and evenings I’ve shared friends, or when finding new experiences or visiting favorite places. It’s not just a way to come back to how I want 2020 to feel or what I want to accomplish, but also a way to highlight the memories I’m creating. And sometimes I’ve used my 2020 word as my intention on my mat.
I also do have my word printed on an intention bracelet, and there are some mornings I think that I’m going to want – or need – the reminder and will be sure to wear it. That way I can keep the visual reminder with me like a personal touchstone.
If you have a word for this year – or are inspired to set a one-word intention – bracelets can still be ordered at The Mat. Check in at either studio at a later date when visiting or reach out to the studio for more information on ordering your own (contact information is available on The Mat’s website).
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat yoga studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own.
