Introduction to Intention Setting
As the year winds down, I always find myself craving stillness—a pause to breathe, reflect, and realign. The Winter Solstice, with its long, quiet night and promise of returning light, feels like the perfect moment to embrace this pause. Instead of rushing into New Year’s resolutions, I create a ritual. It’s a blend of reflection, Chinese medicine, and yoga that helps me work on intention setting in a way that feels grounded and meaningful.
Let me walk you through exactly what I do—no pressure for perfection, just a guide to inspire your own unique ritual.
Step 1: Preparing My Space for Intention Setting
Before I dive into any reflective work, I set the mood. For me, the space has to feel sacred but not intimidating—it’s all about creating an environment where I can relax and focus.
Here’s what I do:
1. Tidy Up: A clean space clears my mind. I light a candle and put away anything that feels chaotic.
2. Burn Incense: I love using mugwort or sandalwood incense. Mugwort, in particular, is used in Chinese medicine for cleansing and grounding—it feels like hitting a reset button.
3. Add Cozy Touches: A soft blanket, a warm cup of ginger tea (great for circulation and energy renewal in winter), and some quiet instrumental music.
This process alone slows me down and gets me in the right mindset.
Step 2: Reflecting on the Past Year
Once my space is ready, I sit down with my journal and reflect. The solstice is a time to honor both the light and the dark, so I try not to shy away from the tougher moments of the past year.
My Reflection Prompts:
• What brought me joy this year?
• What felt heavy or challenging?
• Is there anything I’m holding onto that I’m ready to release?
For example, last year I realized I’d been holding onto a lot of self-doubt about my creative projects. Writing it down was like shining a flashlight on it—acknowledging it made it easier to let go.
Step 3: Grounding with Yoga
Yoga is where I connect my body to the ritual. Winter is a Yin season, so I focus on poses that feel grounding and restorative.
My Favorite Winter Solstice Flow:
1. Child’s Pose: I start here, forehead on the mat, just breathing deeply. It’s a moment to surrender and let my mind quiet down.
2. Seated Forward Fold: Stretching my spine helps me feel connected to the Earth—it’s like physically grounding myself.
3. Butterfly Pose: This one opens up my hips, where I tend to store tension. I sit in stillness and focus on my breath.
If I have extra time, I’ll add a gentle Sun Salutation to welcome the returning light.
Step 4: Meditating with the Season’s Energy
Meditation is the heart of my ritual. After yoga, my mind feels clearer, and it’s easier to sink into a meditative state.
What I Visualize:
• First, I imagine myself surrounded by peaceful darkness, like floating in still water. It feels calm and cleansing.
• Then, I picture a soft, golden light growing brighter with each breath. That light represents everything I want to invite into my life—hope, clarity, and renewal.
I’ve found that this combination of stillness and light really helps me connect to the solstice energy.
Step 5: Setting Intentions
Now that I’ve reflected and grounded myself, it’s time to focus on my intentions. Instead of thinking about the entire year ahead (overwhelming much?), I keep it seasonal and ask myself what I want to nurture during the winter months.
How I Craft My Intentions:
• I choose a guiding word, like “balance” or “flow,” to set the tone.
• I write my intentions as if they’re already happening:
• “I am creating space for creativity and calm.”
• “I am nurturing my energy with rest and care.”
• I try to tap into how it will feel when I achieve those intentions—peaceful, joyful, or energized.
Step 6: Anchoring My Intentions with Ritual
Ritual actions help me make my intentions feel real.
Here’s What I Do:
• Tea Ceremony: I brew a cup of tea with Chinese herbs like ginger and jujube dates. As I sip, I focus on my intentions and imagine them taking root, like seeds planted in the Earth.
• Burn and Release: If there’s something I’m letting go of, I write it down on a small piece of paper and safely burn it. Watching the smoke rise feels symbolic—like sending those burdens away.
• Yoga for Strength: I end with Warrior II, standing tall and strong as I say my intentions out loud. It’s a powerful way to embody my goals.
Step 7: Revisiting My Intentions
Setting intentions isn’t a one-time thing for me—it’s something I revisit regularly.
My Weekly Check-Ins:
• I journal once a week to reflect on how I’m living my intentions.
• I keep small reminders around, like a note on my mirror or a crystal on my desk.
• If I’m feeling off-track, I’ll repeat parts of this ritual to reconnect with my goals.
A Tip: Don’t stress if you miss a day (or week). It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up for yourself in ways that feel good.
Why Chinese Medicine and Yoga Work Together
I love combining Chinese medicine and yoga because they complement each other so well. While TCM focuses on balancing your internal energy, yoga helps you align your body with those intentions. It’s like giving your goals a double boost.
Seasonal TCM Tips I Follow:
• Keep your kidneys warm with a heating pad or warming foods (soups with goji berries and ginger are my go-to).
• Drink herbal teas to support your energy during winter—chrysanthemum is calming, and schisandra berries are great for rejuvenation.
• Use mugwort incense to clear stagnant energy and prepare for growth.
My Winter Solstice Takeaway
For me, the Winter Solstice isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and realign with the rhythms of nature. This ritual, with its blend of Chinese medicine and yoga, helps me create intentions that feel meaningful and achievable.
If you’re feeling inspired, take some time to craft your own ritual. It doesn’t have to look like mine—the beauty of intention-setting is that it’s deeply personal.
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