Setting Intentions

Intention: The Unseen Power
by Dolores Chandler

There is an unseen power within us and all around us. With a little courage to believe in the possibilities and a strong enough desire, it is available for view. This influence is active in every detail of our lives, and it can manifest as something beautiful or perhaps create havoc in a situation. This power is called intention.

At any given moment, whether consciously or unconsciously, we are setting intentions. Our first thought in the morning dictates an objective for the day. Simple example: “I dread this day” or “This is going to be a good day.” The goals and objectives that we set at work, or plans to play with the kids are all examples of this phenomenal resource within.

The strength of an intention intensifies as we become aware of our influence on how they show up in our lives. (Yes, this includes how we respond to the intentions and influences of external forces!)

By creating space for expansion of our thoughts, understanding our feelings and the willingness to take a few action steps, we can tap into the power. Below are a few simple steps to “how” the “action” comes from you.

Decide, what is it that is desired to happen.
Commit to daily practice to set intentions, set long term and short term goals
Visualize it – see it, taste it, smell it, hear it, feel it
Keep it real and from the heart (sincerity goes a long way!)
Let it go! Don’t be attached or try to “control” the outcome
Do keep moving forward with decisive action steps
Expect the unexpected; trust the process.

There are many other ways; however, the above principles are a great way to start.
Remember: attitude and flexibility are viable cohorts to the success and the direction these take.

I’ve had a regular practice of meditation for many years. I fuel my soul with positive literature, practice mindfulness and invest in myself – it’s a commitment!

You have the power too!

The first step: DECIDE! Life will begin to take on a different perspective, impossibilities become possible. Beware, there is a guarantee that it will be different than you intend!!

Teri’s Thoughts..

There is something incredibly powerful in setting intentions. When we started out on our Vision Quest journey, one of my initial intentions was to stay open to the musings of Universe, and the messages, signs, and encouragements it may offer. I was hoping to gain a deeper understanding of myself – something I am always trying to do. And I was hoping to gain some clarity in what my role is in this life – my purpose. BUT, I wasn’t going to push it – I promised myself to just go with the flow. Actually, going with the flow was my highest intention for the trip – and, I must say, that served me very well!

It sounds too easy…. Setting intentions for the moment, the day, your life, and believing it will create what you desire, sounds too easy. But, it works! (Yep – really!) You can’t get somewhere special if you don’t know where you want to go. You can get in the car and start driving, or hop on your bike and just head down the road.

But, you may not end up in a place that strokes your soul. So, then you have to start out again. And, while that is ok – hell, my life has been a series of starts, stops, start-overs and I have learned a LOT along the way! But, now, I realize that to achieve what I want in life, I must set my intentions and make them my priority. As I do this more and more, my life is unfolding in a way that feel good, and I am inspired, and motivated, to create, live, and be my dreams.

Simple tools… In the “old days,” I would get up in the morning, make my coffee, and start working. By early afternoon I was exhausted and unproductive. Now, I start my day by centering myself first. I have selected tools that help me do this – and there are many to choose from.

My day now has an intentional practice: I make my coffee, read a meditation passage from a book, write down my intentions for the day, and engage in some form or physical movement whether it be a walk with my dog, or a workout.

On our trip, Dolores started our day with coffee (we like this addiction! :) ) the pulling of an oracle card, and a cleansing of “auric grunge” using a Palo Santo stick from Peru. I have brought these methods of centering and intention-forming home, and have incorporated them into my day, too. In fact, the day doesn’t seem complete without these practices.

Engaging in these centering practices helps me start my day in a peaceful way, gives me energy, and sets my intention not only for what I want to accomplish, but for how I want to feel throughout the day. Granted, not every day goes as planned or intended, but, I am better equipped to stay on the right path when I start out in the right frame of mind.

How might setting intentions each morning help you? What activities can you do to help center yourself each morning? (Hint: there are no wrong answers!)