Intention for Today

The intention for today's exercise is to help you find a deeper understanding of and better experience with the Principle and Sutra Exercise for today (Thursday).

A working definition for intention is: “to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim.” Lacking intention, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible.

Without our dreams all we have is our present reality. Reality is not a bad thing. We have to know where we are so we can design the appropriate strategy for getting to where we want to be. The challenge is our attitude around “reality” and being “realistic” and what being realistic has cost us. Often that’s our passion and joy, our hopes and dreams. Given the unknowns and sometimes craziness of life, there’s never been a more important time to dream and setting your intention is the first step.

When should you set an intention? You could set an intention every day. Your intention could be to work less and make more, or to find a new career that you are passionate about. It could be to get healthy and physically fit, or to spend more quality time with loved ones or alone. It can be specific and about something in particular or more like a quality, such as to be more relaxed or involved with life.

A Success Story: At seventy, Bessie set an intention to become a world famous photographer. Although many thought she was too old, she didn’t. She entered a photo contest where she won the first prize of $10,000. Her prize-winning photo toured around the world with a Kodak exhibit. She said, “We’re never too old to make a dream come true.”

Some Basic Steps:

1. Get clear about something you want and write it down.
2. Share your intention with someone in a way that will supportively hold you accountable to taking action.
3. Do something today to demonstrate your commitment to your intention.
4. Acknowledge that you did what you said you would, feel love and gratitude to yourself, and then, take the next appropriate step.

Questions to help define an intention:

1. What would I like to feel, experience or gain from today?
2. What stands in the way of me creating what I want to experience?
3. What resistance might I encounter along the way?
4. What am I willing to give up, compromise or surrender to have my intention be true for me?
5. What am I willing to commit to doing?

At the end of the day, take time to reflect in writing on your day’s experience. Think back over your activities and review your intentions to identify situations that match your list.

1. When did you feel love?
2. When did you have the experience you were looking for?
3. How did you manage the resistance factor?
4. Make a note of each instance where you were successful at creating your intention.
5. Practice develops awareness and with awareness, you can create the life you truly desire.