Do you often consider your intention before doing things?

In this episode we unpack what intention really means (the why behind what you do), how it’s different from goals or outcomes, and why it matters whether you’re setting an intention for yourself or for someone else. We talk about how intentions carry energy, how they can misalign with impact, and why checking that impact matters when you’re interacting with others.

Think of intention as the feeling you want to carry out of an experience — the way you want to feel after a yoga class, a conversation with your kid, or even your morning shower. It’s not only about the action; it’s about who you want to be in that action. We share concrete examples (teaching adjustments in yoga, connection with your kids, the tiny rituals of morning routines) so you can see intention in real life — both the small daily moments and the big, five-year visions.

We also tease apart intention, manifesting, and goal-setting. Manifesting is often more internal — calling things in and a type of receptivity that allow possibility in — while intentions give you direction and invite external steps. Both are useful. We recommend doing both: imagine boldly, then take practical, aligned steps toward it.

If you’ve never done intention work, start small: set an intention for a meal, a day, or a short yoga practice and notice how that changes things. Build trust by experimenting — small wins show you this actually works and makes bigger intentions feel possible. And remember to leave space for play and spontaneity; being intentional doesn’t mean being rigid or perfectionistic.

Want a simple practice? Clear your mind (walk, breathe, journal), imagine what you deeply want (no limits), then choose three things to cultivate in the next year. From there: what can you do today, this week, and this month to move toward those things? Check that compass often — daily, weekly, or at least monthly — instead of once a year.

This episode is also an invite: Vision and Vibes — a ritual-filled, embodied visioning workshop on Sunday, January 11th where we’ll use movement, cacao, guided meditation, and journaling to craft intentions you can actually live into. Even if you don’t make the workshop, the practice is simple, sacred, and surprisingly powerful.

Set an intention today — plant a seed for your future self!

Resources:

Register for Vision & Vibes - held at Aloha in Keene, NH

Connect with Us:

• Sarah Koch: @radintimacy | radintimacy.com
• Bryan Russell: @sadhanayogaschool | sadhanayoga.com
• Suggest a topic: DM us or email podcast@radintimacy.com

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