Cultivating Intentions: How to Set One for Your Yoga Practice

At the start of every yoga class or meditation gathering, you may have heard me say, “Take a moment to set an intention for your practice.” Over the years, I’ve had many students share that they’re unsure how to set an intention or even what an intention truly is. If you’ve ever felt the same way, you’re not alone. That’s why I’m dedicating this post to exploring intentions—what they are, how to set them, and why they matter.

Spring, with its energy of renewal, growth, and infinite possibility, is the perfect time to plant the seeds of intention. Just as the earth awakens from winter’s slumber and new life begins to sprout, we, too, have an opportunity to nurture our own inner growth. Whether you’re stepping onto your yoga mat, beginning a new journey, or simply seeking to live with more awareness, setting an intention can help you move forward with greater mindfulness and purpose.

What is an Intention?

An intention is not a goal. It is not about reaching a destination or checking off an achievement. Instead, an intention is about presence. It is about how we want to feel, how we want to show up in our lives, and what energy we wish to cultivate within ourselves.

Think of it as an internal compass rather than a finish line. While goals are outcome-driven, intentions are heart-driven. A goal might be “I will practice yoga five times a week,” whereas an intention could be “I will move with gratitude and awareness every time I step on my mat.”

One is about doing. The other is about being.

How to Set an Intention for Your Yoga Practice

Yoga is more than movement—it is an opportunity to align with our deepest selves. Setting an intention before practice allows us to bring more meaning and mindfulness into our movements. Try this simple process:

1. Pause & Breathe – Before unrolling your mat, take a moment to close your eyes and tune in. How are you feeling? What do you need today?

2. Listen to Your Inner Wisdom – Is there a word or theme that keeps surfacing? Maybe it’s patience, courage, or self-compassion. Allow your heart to guide you.

3. Phrase It Simply – Keep your intention short and clear: “I am open to growth.” “I invite peace into my body.” “I release fear and embrace trust.”

4. Seal It with Your Breath – Inhale deeply, exhale fully, and silently repeat your intention. Let it settle into your being.

5. Carry It Beyond the Mat – Your intention is not just for your yoga practice. Take it into your day, your interactions, and your mindset.

Planting a Seed of Intention in the Spring

Just as seeds need sunlight, water, and time to grow, our intentions require nurturing. But before a seed can sprout, it must break through its shell. That hard outer layer, while protective, must soften for growth to happen. The same is true for us. We often build up barriers—self-doubt, fear, or limiting beliefs—that keep us from fully stepping into our potential.

This spring, let’s plant our intentions with care. Here’s how:

🌱 Choose Your Intention – What do you want to cultivate in your life? More joy? Confidence? Balance?

🌱 Write It Down – Putting words to your intention gives it life. Try: “This season, I plant the seed of ___ in my heart.”

🌱 Symbolically Plant a Seed – Find a flower or herb that resonates with your intention. As you press it into the soil, visualize your intention taking root.

🌱 Nurture It Daily – Just as you water a plant, nourish your intention with daily awareness. Meditate on it, repeat it as a mantra, or create a ritual to honor it.

🌱 Trust the Process – Growth happens in its own time. Be patient. Keep tending to your intention, and watch it bloom.

Final Thoughts

Intentions are powerful. They shape the way we experience life, the way we move through challenges, and the way we grow into the best versions of ourselves. This spring, let’s embrace the season of renewal and plant the seeds of what we truly wish to cultivate.

So, what intention will you plant this season? Let’s grow together. 🌸

Try This Yoga Class to Welcome Spring and Plant Your Intention

Paula Ribotto E-RYT 500