I begin many emails with the wording used in my title (Two Things). The reason? I believe many people just read the first sentence or paragraph of an email and set it aside (I’ve been known to do that myself). I’ve decided that if I say at the outset there are ‘two things’ to consider in an email, perhaps both will get read.

Then, depending on the importance, I highlight those two things in some way (bold text, bullet points, etc.). Something that keeps the reading simple.

So, here goes ‘Two Things’:

This year I turned 75. An interesting and kind of sobering realization that I’ve made it 3/4 of a century. Not much has changed as a result, but I felt it worth mentioning.

As an aside, I read a book recently titled “Ageless Aging” (recommended by the Mayo Clinic and my husband, Howard). In it, the author points out that ageism is the last acceptable ‘ism’ in our Western culture. I feel that (ageism) on occasion. Then I remind myself of two important quotes from two of my many yoga teachers:

1. “You can’t play the age card.”

2. “You are the example to the young ones of what is possible.”

After thinking of those two quotes, I go on about my business of teaching and learning.

(Those, however, were not the two things.)

The word ‘intention’ is my second ‘thing’. Not a huge word, not a flower-y word, but one that transmits an attitude to our yoga practice. As a teacher, I see some who practice with intention (defined as something that you want or plan to do) — no step is too small or overlooked. I can see it - their goal to create a pose without skipping a step (or hurrying to get to the next pose).

And, when I say the word ‘intention’ (as in, “kick up as though you mean it, with intention”) things change; attitude changes. An amazing word.

What made me think of ‘intention’ this morning? One of my favorite teachers uses the following phrase in her marketing: “Precision of Intention; Clarity in Action; Respect for Limits”. Lots to contemplate in that phrasing.

I’ll just stick to ‘Intention’ this morning.