Setting Intentions
- Marie Ketterman
- Feb 1, 2017
- 2 min read
An intention is a guiding principle for how you want to be, live, and show up in the world. Ask yourself, what matters most to you? Your answer could form a powerful intention, for which you can align your thoughts and your meditation. The intention works best if you continue feeling it throughout your day. Keeping it in mind it will also guide your actions as you move through your day.
An intention shouldn’t be confused with a goal—it’s not something you attach an expectation or evaluation to. It’s just something you want to align with in your life. It’s an aim, a purpose, or attitude you’d be proud to commit to. Intentions must come from your heart, they are not the tangible. IE: “lose 10 pounds” or “get that promotion” These kind are goals that you set. Intentions are heart-driven and evoke feeling and purpose. Setting an intention is a way to bring your heart and mind into alignment.
Intentions should also not be confused with affirmations. Affirmations can feel a little forced. For example, sometimes I don’t authentically feel “I am a powerful.” or “I am brave” or “I am financially abundant” and practicing that affirmation feels insincere. Intentions offer a mood or emotion, which feels more active, in a way that one can align themselves with. It’s a slight distinction, but can make a huge difference.
Setting an intention can be a powerful practice because it’s the first step to embodying that which you want.
If you’re focusing your mind on a specific intention you are bringing it to your focused mind, your thoughts, your heart … and in turn helping to bring it into your experience.
Keep your intention simple. Make it one that you can easily align with now. Here are some thought-starters to help you get started in forming an intention:
* How do you want to feel in each moment?
* How do you want to experience life?
* What would you like to align yourself with?
* What would you like to open up to?
Intentions you can use to start
* Balanced
* Open heart and mind
* Peaceful
* Let go
* Joyful
* Embracing
* Connected
* Give and receive love
* Loving and Kind
* Grateful
There is no need to put “I” in front of these because it is understood. This understanding allows you to release the attachment that you may try to force. Therefore you can just feel and visualize what these things mean and how they feel to you.
It doesn’t matter how you sit during your meditation unless you believe it to have control over your own power. Many say “you can’t do this…you can’t do that”. I believe we can do whatever we choose. If we let belief systems interfere we don’t experience our desires. I would rather let my intention create my experiences than belief systems.
Stating your intention once most likely won’t be enough. Revisiting your intention often and calling it to the center of your mind when you need a guide or feel frazzled can put you back into “standing in your power”. Intentions are a wonderful way to help you stay grounded and reconnect with what matters most.
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