Intention Setting 101: Aligning with your Life Purpose

“Intention setting.” Ever heard this mentioned? Probably. It’s a phrase that tends to get thrown around quite a bit by many spiritual teachers, life coaches, and yogi’s these days.

While in passing it’s easy enough to understand, but on deeper thought what does “intention” truly mean.

What gives intentions power and how do we actually make the most out of these intentions that we set?
As one of the great spiritual teachers of our times says;

An “Intention is the starting point of a dream. It is the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening, or love.” – Deepak Chopra.

WHAT IS AN INTENTION?

Everything and anything that happens in the universe always starts with an intention. The sages of India observed that our destiny is shaped by our deepest desires and intentions.

“You are what your deepest desire is. As your desire is, so is your intention. As your intention is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.” – From the Sanskrit Scripture, Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5

While that’s all well and good for 6th Century Monks, what does it mean for the modern day woman?

An intention is an aim or plan that is actively ‘put out,’ in which are desires or pathways which you intend to attract and call into your life. When you do this, you align yourself with your core purpose, and through that, find and create a life you love.
To break it down, slightly further: If you were to go out in the day, and not have set intention or created any type of prayer or manifestation of how you want the day to go, then you’re getting on a bike with no direction. This can be great sometimes, but if you know that you want to get somewhere, the power of setting an intention is going to help you get there.
Oftentimes people allow the day, or the week, or the month to happen to them, and when you set an intention, you are actively manifesting your desires and that is the power behind it.

IDENTIFYING YOUR INTENTION

It can be really hard to figure out exactly what you might want this intention to be, especially when we are constantly bombarded by media images and ideals of how we should be. You have to filter out, what is a true desire and purpose, and what you think should be your desire. It is important to meditate or find a quiet moment in your mind, where the ego is not running the show. When you are truly present is the best time to set your intention.

Good starting topics are intentions for the mind, body and spirit. Really focus on and assess what it is that you are seeking.

Still unsure? Here’s an example, an intention could be to have an amazing meeting with your boss. Or it might be broader—to take more time for your physical health; to focus on a relationship, meditate more.

HOW TO SET YOUR INTENTIONS

Once you have your intention in mind, it’s time to announce it to the universe. How do you go about that? Read the below tips.

A good way to start the journey of setting a large – month long – intention, is to have an evening of self nourishment and self-care. Have a warm bath, a healthy meal, light some candles and sit in your favourite spot, grab a pen and some paper or your journal and check in with yourself. Feel the energy of the upcoming month, and write down what your intentions are.

This is a good way to start, as it requires first finding a few moments of gratitude for things that have happened in the previous month. Gratitude is a very important part of the intention-setting process because if you’re always just wanting and wanting and wanting—and not finding the peace with what you have, you’re in a constant state of scarcity, and insecurity.

Having a month long intention is an easy target to start with, as you can then remind yourself of it weekly and daily. Every Monday, reconnect with your larger intention and also set a couple of actionable goals, or intentions for the week. This will help you feel connected to the larger momentum.

Every morning take a few seconds to breathe, connect to yourself, send yourself some love and remind yourself of your monthly and weekly intentions and then, in that quiet moment, set an intention for the day, even if it’s something as small as enjoy and savour my afternoon peppermint tea.

Need to find a quiet space to reconnect with yourself and set some life changing intentions and goals?
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