I almost called this ‘intention and other wanky words’. And that’s not to disparage those who talk about intention cos I do it too. I use many wanky words… like ‘authentic’, ‘intuitive’ and ‘journey’.
Indeed I’m a huge fan of the cliche and fall into their deep crevices more often than I’d like. Although sometimes it’s more a warm-soft landing than something sharp and cold.
I mentioned last week (and in previous years) I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. They’re always too unreachable and ephemeral. I’m pretty sure I rolled over most of mine for much of the 1990s and first decade of this century.
Adopting a ‘Word of the year’ has – however – become increasingly popular. I noted it a few years ago when a lot of my US blogging friends identified a word or phrase they intended to make their ‘word’ of the year and set their intention thus.
I rolled my eyes and vomited a little in my mouth. Which is really what people expect of cynical ol’ me. After all… my schtick is to diss stuff that’s vaguely touchy-feely, while secretly inhaling it all.
Which brings me to the point of today’s post, cos I’m linking up again with Denyse Whelan – who’s writing regularly about intention, as a concept – and today’s theme is our ‘Word for 2017’. Which I don’t have. If I did I think it’d be something like consolidation (which would be cheating as I read it elsewhere). 2016 was a year of big changes for me and – as you’ll be surprised to see in tomorrow’s post – I am more contented than ever; so I just need to build on that.
However, on words and intention, it might also surprise you to know I DO have something other than ridicule and disdain to offer.
At each of my yoga classes, as we’re doing our pre-class preparation my instructors always ask us to set our ‘intent’ for the class and the day. I don’t know if that’s something all instructors do. Perhaps it is… but mine usually mention it again at the end of class as they release us into the wild.
I always tend to assume I’ll struggle to identify a phrase or word. But I don’t. My words are often cliches themselves: strong, calm, zen, balanced…. and so forth. But – each actually relates to what’s on my mind at that moment. The calm and zen thing both were adopted on days I was feeling really stressed about stuff. The ‘strong’ was a word I adopted at one of my first classes back after years away from yoga. It wasn’t something I felt at the time, mentally or physically, but it was something I wanted.
I’m heading to yoga again today and I have no idea what my ‘word’ or ‘intent’ will be. Hopefully it’ll pop into my mind unexpectedly.
Do you have a ‘word’ for the year? Or are you old school and have resolutions? Or both?
If you do yoga, does your instructor ask you about your ‘intent’?
* Pic from yogatrade.com
January 9, 2017
My intention is usually the word “calm.” I read the book “Better Than Before” by Gretchen Rubin. She talks about how people usually are 1 of 4 tendencies. She then give ideas on how to develop better habits based on your tendency. My tendency is an obliger. I can follow through with external expectations and demands, but not inner demands/expectations. My strategies for follow through are scheduling and accountability. With that being said, my resolution is to develop a habit of exercising consistently throughout the year. We shall see how it goes.
January 9, 2017
Ah yes, I’m an obliger too and can very much relate to some of Rubin’s work. (Am also an abstainer rather than a moderator, for example!)
Calm is a great word! And I’m with you on the consistent and sustainable exercise program!
January 9, 2017
Haha my thoughts seem similar to yours 🙂 I don’t want to be as sarcastic as my brain wants me to be when people talk about it, because I do think that if it works for you then you should go for it. But the intention type words (even though I’ve written about it myself!!) make me eye roll as an initial reaction. Us humans are awesome contradictions!
January 9, 2017
I know… I very often think of something as cliched or wanky but also do exactly that.
January 9, 2017
I don’t do yoga, though I should. I did resolutions last year…that I didn’t even remember I made. This year I made a list of things I want to do better at – and that’s exactly what I call them: Do Betters. I saw someone do the word thing, and their word was “determined.” I think the word can give you a lot of momentum throughout the year, but picking one is hard. If anything, my word would be “serenity” or “happy”.
January 9, 2017
Great words and you’ve reminded me of some life coaching I did years ago and instead of setting goals, the instructor asked me to set ‘feelings’. So I had to identify how I wanted to feel rather than what I wanted to do. It was something I struggled with though I could see the benefit. I think the WOTY / resolutions thing is like that for me. I kinda know how I’d like to feel but HOW I get there could in fact change.
January 9, 2017
I haven’t done yoga for way too long, but yes, the instructor used to talk about intent or dedication of today’s practice…
January 9, 2017
Mine today was ‘release’. And – as usual it just popped into my head after something the instructor said.
January 9, 2017
I’ve been doing some yoga lately and I must say that I don’t cope with the spiritual side of it at all. Not big into thanking myself for my practice. I love the way it makes me feel both physically (all the stiff bits stretched out) and mentally (centred and calm) but I do have to stop my eyes rolling with the prayer hands to head and heart.
January 9, 2017
I don’t mind some of the traditions behind yoga but used to struggle more with it cos I wanted to focus more on burning calories than sitting / meditating etc… I’m not sure about the energy moving around etc but I know I feel a lot better when I’m doing classes!
January 9, 2017
I’ve become a big fan of word of the year. It is so much simpler and more do-able than NY resolutions that always end up on the scrap heap for me. This year I chose ‘Enough’ as my word because I think 2017 is going to be a year of acceptance and gratitude and less striving and dissatisfaction (that’s the plan anyway). I’m also becoming a fan of your “wanky” words because intention and integrity are really starting to grab me lately!
January 9, 2017
Oh yes, I laugh about them but I’m a big user of wanky words. When I was in government there was a joke going around re bureaucratic wanky words and I realised I used a lot of them. It was habit mostly and the fact I did a lot of writing for senior officials and Ministers etc… I’d need to say a lot without saying much at all if that makes sense!
January 9, 2017
I’m not into the word of the year, although I totally understand why others are. The world moves too quickly for me to want to lock on to any one word for a whole twelve months. Being more contented sounds like you are in a great space right now, good for you 🙂
January 9, 2017
Thanks Jan!
January 9, 2017
I’m cynical about these type of things too. After the year I had in 2015 and 2016 I’d settle for healthy being my word for 2017. But I guess I have to actually DO something to maintain my health so I chose MOVE. And by that I don’t mean I’m going to take up running, but any movement is good: housework etc. And does eye rolling count?? LOL
January 9, 2017
I’m fairly sure eyerolling must count as there’s SOME muscle movement involved. Surely!
I’m hoping to introduce some regular and sustainable exercise this year. Nothing too over-the-top, but something consistent. I’ve been all over the place on the exercise front for years and have often being a regular gym-goer, only to quit and do nothing. I’m looking at doing some walking and yoga this year and HOPEFULLY get into a routine.
January 9, 2017
I always forget my word of the year about March…so there!! I hear about intent in my meditation too and had really never cottoned on but the more I read (on my journey to wellness!) from a variety of authors and backgrounds I am learning that there is such a thing as ‘putting it out there’…enough for you? I am considering that offering my thoughts of loving kindness to people (in my head!) helps me understand I am not the only one I need to be thinking about. I will stop now!! Thanks for your thoughts on all of this. I would have to say my idea of a post a week about intent was good on 1 Jan and then yesterday on 8 Jan I struggled as I was maxed to nth degree with anxiety about IBS and more. So, what I know, is that life ebbs and flows…like a wave upon the sand..OK. I AM OFF!!! No more cliches from moi! Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek2/52 Denyse x
January 9, 2017
I like that in yoga I can pick a ‘word’ or intent that means something. Today it was ‘release’. The instructor said something at the beginning of class and used the word and I thought ‘YES!!!’. I have been a bit uptight over the last couple of weeks and need to let go of that… so release was a mental thing as much as a physical thing (in) class today!
January 9, 2017
What you are doing at yoga definitely falls into the same genre as the word of the year. How you are focusing on what you need at that time/day, with word of the year you grab onto what you need for the next stage of life.
January 10, 2017
Yes, I hadn’t thought of it like that Deb!
January 10, 2017
Hahaha, you sound like me. But I’m putting aside cynicism this year (well as much as I can) to pick a word and see if it helps any. That totally makes me a wanky-worder.
January 10, 2017
It seems all the best people are Kat!
January 10, 2017
I find a word for the year really grounding. It’s funny, I mentioned on another blog that choosing a word for each day can be helpful, if a word for the year seems a little OTT. Seems you’re already one step ahead with your yoga word or intent.
January 10, 2017
Yes, Deb Dane just commented on how the intent at yoga and word of the year are similar as it’s contemplating where you want to be etc…
January 10, 2017
You’ve inspired me to squeeze a little time in each week for some yoga. I miss the clarity of mind it gave me in addition to the physical benefits.
SSG xxx
January 10, 2017
Oh yes I’m the same. It’s the stillness and focus that it brings I appreciate.
January 10, 2017
I never did words or phrases until 2013 when I decided to ‘get out of my comfort zone’. And honestly, that year, I truly pushed myself and grew in ways I didn’t imagine I could. Since then, I’ve tried to have a word or phrase. I of course, don’t think it’s for everyone and I guess more so, not for every year because some years, life just takes over and gets shitty. But it’s nice that yoga helps you with some intentions 🙂 On that note, I need to seriously find a yoga place that doesn’t do hot yoga! What’s the obsession with hot yoga?! I hope 2017 is awesome for you Deb!
January 11, 2017
I’ve never tried hot yoga, though the place I go to wasn’t airconditioned when I first tried it a few years ago! 🙂
Thanks Sanch! And ditto!