We start each yoga practice by connecting to who we are. We sit and turn inside and simply notice what's happening. As we soften, we begin to to become aware of the flow of consciousness taking form in our thoughts, our feelings, and our breath: rising, taking form, and dissolving.

In the movement of our thoughts, feelings, and breath, we can recognize the play of nature (for more on this, please see the Yoga page). We remember that this play - taking different forms simply for the joy of experiencing itself - is who we are as well. Our bodies, our breath, our thoughts... all, in the Tantric tradition, are temporary but miraculous gifts to be enjoyed.

From this place of recognition arises a desire to experience the best of who we are right now: even facing limitations and challenges, to experience the highest possibility within. This desire is called setting an intention.

Setting an intention is like asking yourself, "Who do I want to be?" If the answer comes back "a famous writer," what inner qualities could you choose as your intention? Possibly perceptivity, creativity, or clarity. If the answer comes back "a great yogi," maybe it's generosity of spirit, or courage that you long to experience.

It is through connecting to these inner qualities that we can begin to manifest them in outer form, in our bodies and lives.

Often, our intention simply arises as pure feeling from the heart, with no words. Either way, when we remember that each of us is a gift offered by nature (or spirit, or energy, Consciousness, or God, whatever word you like), we find ourselves inspired by a feeling that the world is a wonderful place to be.