Is Setting Goals Not Compatible with Mindfulness?

The Mindfulness Lectures were launched this past weekend and it was nice to finally “let it go”. Dr. Treyvaud and I entered into the event with a huge sense of unknowing. It was liberating to not have expectations.

With 22 lectures under our belt, we began to see the possibilities of how the Mindfulness Lectures can expand this year. We have witnessed a beautiful, slow growth of an emerging community that has become stronger and more engaged with each lecture that we present. It was obvious to us, that the lectures were beginning to evolve and a unique voice was about to emerge. This new voice is the growing community.

For the first time, we asked for others to speak and share. The collective voice that came out was honest, supportive, highly experienced and encouraging. The lines blurred between student, teacher and presenter. The studio became a melting pot of ideas and words of encouragement. At times one would hear the teacher emerge out of a student and then the flip, a teacher becomes once again the student. There is truth that we all have something to learn and so much to teach.

A poignant moment came for me when a question was raised by a member of the audience about the idea of the absence of goals when practicing mindfulness. This sparked a conversation that raised more questions and provoked students and teachers alike, to ponder and reassess their thoughts on this topic.

I approached the question from a movement point of view. It made me wonder if I have “goals” when I practice my yoga. Many modern yoga styles seem to be quite goal-oriented. I want to be more flexible. I want to be stronger. I want to perfect my headstand or be able to move through 108 sun salutations. The yoga that I practice and teach tends to shy away from goals of that nature — but is it completely without goals? Even though I believe I embody a mindful yoga practice, is it free from goals?

Is moving smoothly and slowly so that I can FEEL not a goal? Is moving in a way to connect deeper into the body sensations, not a goal? Is practicing being open to the moment-to-moment experience, not a goal? The discussion on Saturday has raised these questions in my practice and my teaching.

Is goal setting not compatible with a mindful practice?

Has this questioning alerted my mindful inquiry? YES! Has it made me look deeper and move deeper into my mindfulness practice? YES!

Job well done to the group that gathered on Saturday! The mindfulness conversation will continue for me!

Thank you to the member of the audience who asked the question. Thank you to the several panel members who also pondered this question and admitted that they have not yet found the answer to this as well.

What are your thoughts? I would love to hear what you think!!!