Intention: A Practice for Yoga, Meditation & Everyday Life
Inspired by the teachings of Tara Brach
In a busy city like London, it’s easy to move through life on autopilot, rushing, reacting and doing without pausing to breathe. But intention invites us into a different rhythm. It helps us slow down, reconnect, and choose how we want to show up in our lives, on and off the yoga mat.
At Oca London in Bermondsey, intention is woven into everything we do from yoga and movement practices to meditation, ritual, and community gatherings.
Tara Brach describes intention as the compass of the heart.
It’s not about forcing outcomes, but aligning our inner life with what truly matters: kindness, presence, truth, courage, connection.
When we set an intention, we are not trying to control the future.
We are choosing the quality of energy we bring into the next moment — in our practice, in our relationships, and in our everyday movement.
Intention vs. Expectation
Expectations tighten the body.
Intention opens it.
Expectations say:
“This must happen.”
Intention says:
“This is the direction I choose, and I will meet it with awareness.”
This shift is at the heart of mindful living, yoga practice, and meditation.
Instead of pushing for results, we move from alignment.
Instead of perfectionism, we meet ourselves with compassion.
The Pause That Changes Everything
A central element of Tara Brach’s teachings is the sacred pause — a moment where we step out of autopilot and reconnect with presence.
In that pause, we can ask:
What matters right now?
What intention do I want to bring into this breath?
Am I acting from fear or from love?
This is where intention lives — not in the distant future, but in the living moment.
This is the foundation of yoga, meditation, and conscious movement here in Bermondsey’s growing wellbeing community.
Why Intention Heals
Intention helps settle the nervous system because it realigns us with what feels true.
When our outer actions match our inner values, something in us softens, strengthens, and clarifies.
Tara Brach reminds us that intention is a practice of remembering.
We will forget and come back again.
Each return strengthens the pathway of presence.
A Simple Daily Practice
Place a hand on your heart.
Take one breath.
Ask: “What is my intention for today?”
Let it be simple:
ease, clarity, compassion, honesty, steadiness, joy.
This is meditation in motion.
This is yoga off the mat.
This is movement with meaning.
Living With Intention at Oca London
In our Bermondsey studio, intention shapes every class from slow, grounding practices to dynamic yoga, somatic movement, cacao ceremonies, and community gatherings.
Intention is how we turn movement into ritual.
It’s how we build meaningful community in London.
And it’s how we reconnect to our inner compass, breath by breath.
As we move through winter and into a new year, may you return to your intentions gently… and often.
Ready to practice intention with us?
Join us at Oca London in Bermondsey for yoga, meditation, movement and ritual — a space where community grows slowly and intentionally.
