Recently I have been revisiting and contemplating how I set and nourish my intentions.
I remember when I used to set my intention and let it be.
Often what I intended never came to fruition.
As I look back, I can see several reasons for this.
Sometimes I did not consider the “why” of my intention deeply enough. Other times, I did not pay attention to how my intention would be useful in the world - not just to me, to others and, directly or indirectly, to the earth. Sometimes I did not infuse energy into my intention, thus there was no “juice.” Other times, and more importantly, I set an intention my own.
With mindful practice, I realized several things.
First, intention setting is a co-creative process. Second, tending to an intention is cornerstone to manifestation. Third, aligning actions with an intention is also key. For example, if I intended to attend a conference abroad, I would not enroll in a local class schedule during the same timeframe.
When my focus and attention included these components, my intentions came to fruition, for the highest good and harm to none (which is how I set them up.)
Often useful insights arise during meditation or when I am not holding tightly to the outcome I desire in a situation.
A few years ago I set my intention for something deeply meaningful though did not attend to it. I also scheduled something that precluded my intention from coming to fruition.
Now with the benefit of guidance and reflective hindsight, I am more consistent in terms of focus and attention.
A simple gratitude practice, before setting my intention, is useful. Something along the lines of "Thank you. Why is it so easy for this or something better to flow into my life?"
I find it useful to consider what is attainable before tending to the co-creative intention setting process. Intending, for example, to drive from New Jersey to to Southern California in 20 hours is not feasible.
Although imagining intentions beyond the bounds of our logical minds is a great way to start, recognizing what is reasonable is also key.
Embracing the paradox of 'both/and' helps me realize my own dreams through service to humanity.
How do you nurture your intentions?
Please contact me for weekly Group Animal Healing topics to honor of my dear friend Nancy, who passed last November.
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas
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