A couple of months ago, I had a long phone call with an editor from Yoga Journal, asking me to share some of my thoughts about setting some intentions for the New Year. What were some of the ways I navigate through running my business? How do I find balance and clarity when I've lost my center? It was a really enlightening call, as although I employ certain tenets to move me through the harder times and moments of lesser clarity, I'd never really put them all into one place or shared them in such a way. 

This week, the February issue of Yoga Journal came out, in which the piece ran. It was amazing to read my own advice, as it was one of those weeks where I was needing some guiding principles. Reading those words was exactly what I needed to hear, and I laughed at the fact that I seemed to be giving myself my own advice. And what it affirmed was the fact that we always have the answers within us--losing our way doesn't mean that we are lost for good.  It just means using our own inner guidance and our practice to gently steer ourselves toward our best selves.

So if you haven't picked up your copy of Yoga Journal yet (with the radiant Amy Ippoliti on the cover), here is my offering to you:

Get Unstuck. Break out of your rut with an out-of-the-ordinary activity--a weekend trip, a new sport, a creative pursuit. This can get you out of your rational brain, detach you from the usual scripts in your head, and create space for answers and insights.

Listen. Underneath your mental chatter, you may have a clear instinct for how you want to act in your life. But you may be quashing or deflecting that instinct. To get in touch with your inner wisdom, practice letting go of the way you think things are supposed to be. Be willing to be surprised.

Have Faith. Trust that circumstances in your life will align to support you on your path. When you make a commitment, life will make a commitment back.

Notice. There are many gifts in your life. As you work to clarify your intentions, be aware of the people who support you and the resources that are all around you--and be open to what they have to offer.
 
Stephanie Bernstein is the Founder and CEO of To-Go Ware. She has been practicing and teaching yoga for 12 years and currently resides in Oakland, CA.