Invicta Vlogs
Setting New Year’s Intentions
Setting New Year’s Intentions
I always look forward to New Year. I see it as the possibility of new beginnings for many. A chance to reflect on the previous year to improve and move forward. Arguably this is even more important within the circumstance we find ourselves today; focusing on ourselves and family is crucial during such a pressing time. Whilst it has been a rocky start with the imposing of a lock down and the continuation of COVID-19, there is a lot of optimism for 2021.
I recently participated in a virtual course surrounding ‘The setting of Intentions’ in this new year, interlinked with yoga. Rather than referring to ‘resolutions’, which are often focused on smaller goals, like trying to master cooking, exercising more, or cutting down on sugar, an intention is claimed to have a ‘purer’ focus. I was taught that intentions are derived from “matters of the heart” and are a clarification of direction, often associated with relationships, careers, self-improvement or a larger call to action. For our ‘souls to evolve’ we were then required to write down what we wanted to “release” from the previous year of 2020 that would enable us to individually ‘prosper’ this year. Thoughts were shared, and common themes of fear and frustration were presented - 2020 being a tough year for numerous reasons for those attending. I said I would like to release judgement and anger, already feeling lighter from acknowledging these emotions and proceeding to let them go.
The encouragement followed to write down what positive things happened last year amidst the disappointment. It was refreshing to recall the glimpses of good of last year; bread-making, bike rides and university offers. A few minutes meditation occurred where we were asked to clear our minds prior to ‘exploring our hearts’ to find what we really wanted to achieve or change in 2021. This was a new experience for me but brought a lot of clarity for the direction I want to go in and felt kind to myself in the process - that I had taken time to understand what my true intentions were. It allowed me to get this year into perspective, and although there is still a lot of struggle to be endured, hope is on the horizon and each day we are getting closer to it. So, keep momentum, but also be kind to yourself when things go wrong or do not proceed in the way you expect.
Lauren Mc Manus
Senior Prefect
