What is an intention? Webster's dictionary says: “the thing that you plan to do or achieve: an aim or purpose".
Without intention, we can often stray without meaning or direction. But with intention, the forces of the universe can align and make the impossible possible!
People set intentions/goals all the time ~ get married, have children, get a job, write a book, lose weight, or move to a foreign country. When you set an intention and then act on it amazing things happen.
Goal Setting vs Intentions
Setting intention, according to Buddhist teachings, is quite different than setting goals. Intention is not oriented toward a future outcome. Instead, it is a path or practice that is focused on how you are "being" in the present moment. Your attention is on the "now" in the constantly changing flow of life. You set intentions based on understanding what means the most to you and making a commitment.
As you gain insight through the use of meditation and reflection, your ability to act on your intentions will manifest. It is called a practice because it is a never ending process. You don't just set your intentions and then forget about them ~ you must live them every day.
For example:
- Before you get out of bed, set an intention to have a good day.
- Before you leave the house, set an intention to spend quality time with your family.
- Before you start your car, set an intention to have a safe outing.
Four Steps to Setting Intentions
1. Be clear about something you want and write it down.
2. Share your intention with someone. That will keep you accountable.
3. Do something right now to demonstrate your commitment.
4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and take the next step.
By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and to others, what you plan to do. Set an intention to redefine your seriousness.
Cultivating right intention does not mean you should abandon your goals. Everything that happens in the universe begins with intention. If I decide to buy a birthday present, wiggle my toes, or make a phone call ~ it all starts with intention.
Deepak Chopra gives five steps to setting powerful intentions.
1. Be clear about something you want and write it down.
2. Share your intention with someone. That will keep you accountable.
3. Do something right now to demonstrate your commitment.
4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would and take the next step.
By setting an intention, you make it clear to yourself and to others, what you plan to do. Set an intention to redefine your seriousness.
Cultivating right intention does not mean you should abandon your goals. Everything that happens in the universe begins with intention. If I decide to buy a birthday present, wiggle my toes, or make a phone call ~ it all starts with intention.
Deepak Chopra gives five steps to setting powerful intentions.
1. Slip into the Gap
Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is meditation. Meditation takes you beyond the ego-mind into the silence and stillness of pure consciousness. This is the ideal state in which to plant your seeds of intention.
2. Release Your Intentions and Desires
Once you’re established in a state of restful awareness, release your intentions and desires. The best time to plant your intentions is during the period after meditation, while your awareness remains centered in the quiet field of all possibilities. After you set an intention, let it go – simply stop thinking about it. Continue this process for a few minutes after your meditation period each day.
Once you’re established in a state of restful awareness, release your intentions and desires. The best time to plant your intentions is during the period after meditation, while your awareness remains centered in the quiet field of all possibilities. After you set an intention, let it go – simply stop thinking about it. Continue this process for a few minutes after your meditation period each day.
3. Remain Centered in a State of Restful Awareness
Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms. Your higher self knows that everything is all right and will be all right, even without knowing the timing or the details of what will happen.
Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms. Your higher self knows that everything is all right and will be all right, even without knowing the timing or the details of what will happen.
4. Detach from the Outcome
Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities and openings to come your way.
Relinquish your rigid attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Attachment is based on fear and insecurity, while detachment is based on the unquestioning belief in the power of your true Self. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities and openings to come your way.
5. Let the Universe Handle the Details
Your focused intentions set the infinite organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust that infinite organizing power to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires. Don’t listen to the voice that says that you have to be in charge, that obsessive vigilance is the only way to get anything done. The outcome that you try so hard to force may not be as good for you as the one that comes naturally. You have released your intentions into the fertile ground of pure potentiality, and they will bloom when the season is right. Live your dreams today by setting your intentions and watching them manifest into reality...
Your focused intentions set the infinite organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust that infinite organizing power to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires. Don’t listen to the voice that says that you have to be in charge, that obsessive vigilance is the only way to get anything done. The outcome that you try so hard to force may not be as good for you as the one that comes naturally. You have released your intentions into the fertile ground of pure potentiality, and they will bloom when the season is right. Live your dreams today by setting your intentions and watching them manifest into reality...
