In today’s reality, we hop onto back-to-back virtual meetings without taking a moment to set an intention behind why we are attending those meetings in the first place.
However, what would be the impact if we set more mindful intentions around the value that we want to create through attending these meetings?
Habitually, when we hear the word “intentions”, we think of actions like setting goals, making plans, and commitment.
For example, when our intention is to create optimal health, we consume healthy food, exercise a few times a week, and maybe even throw in a meditation or two for good measure.
In this aspect of intentions, the focus is on the outcomes we desire and the behaviours that are necessary to achieve said desire. And while this is definitely one powerful realm of intentions, there exists another dimension to intentions beyond an attachment to results and outcomes.
It is a dimension of intentions which invites us to connect with the abundant, invisible field we are all living in and to co-create our reality along with it.
It is a conscious collaboration with the invisible intelligence of which we are a part of by aligning the power of our thoughts and emotions with the higher vibration of gratitude.
And it is a focus on the reasons behind our goals and desired outcomes—the higher purpose that is fuelling our success. In fact, setting intentions can be seen as an act of full faith. We believe in the infinite abundance of the field and we trust that we will be able to see our intentions manifesting without being attached to outcomes.
Here, intentions are more a state of being rather than an attempt at doing.
Intentions as “Being” rather than “Doing”
Awareness, attention, and faith are key when it comes to setting intentions.
We are encouraged to explore the quality of our thoughts and emotions with a focus on the energy that we are bringing to the table. Moreover, we are invited to consciously nurture thoughts and emotions that align with our intentions.
In this way, when our intention is to create optimal health, we bring our attention to thoughts and emotions that serve our intention.
For example, the thought “I’m choosing healthy food that nourishes my body and elevates my energy” empowers us to manifest our intention.
Whereas focusing on a disempowering thought like “Eating healthy food is hard and boring” is more likely to lower our vibration and derail us from manifesting our intention.
You see, intentions are energy in the same way that our thoughts and emotions are. It’s counterintuitive to set clear intentions and yet follow them up with thoughts and emotions that create discord within us.
Afterall, our thoughts and emotions strongly influence our reality.
In this way, if our intention is to create optimal health, we choose to surrender rather than stress about what and when to eat. We focus on “optimal health” and trust that the right food, exercise plans, and even people will show up to support manifesting our intention.
The power of intentions is in the love, generosity, and abundance that we tap into. It’s in the state of being that we consciously nurture within our hearts and minds. That’s why intentions begin with “being” rather than “doing”.
Moreover, the power of intentions also lies in its capacity to inspire transcendence. As we nourish our souls and connect with our higher selves, we raise our chances of achieving meaningful success.
Intentions as Attachment to Purpose rather than Outcome
We often hear that it’s important to identify the “why” behind our goals.
By going within and gaining awareness of the intentions behind our goals and outcomes, we move towards aligning with our higher purpose.
Consider for a moment that you’re the owner of a marketing company, and you are setting an intention to increase your profits.
It helps to ask yourself what is your intention behind increasing your profits.
- Is it to increase your own financial freedom and thereby be able to better provide for your family?
- Is it to help other businesses create an impactful brand and add value to more customers?
- Or, is it to boost the wellbeing and security of your employees?
When setting intentions, it definitely helps to remember that life is not just about us. Rather, it’s about the impact and value that our intentions could bring to our communities.
The truth is, each one of us has the power to contribute to creating a better world using our unique gifts.
And we may find that we are more empowered and energized to achieve our outcomes when the intentions powering our purpose are filled with love, meaning, and generosity.
Moreover, when we are clear on our intentions, it takes on a different vibration that is more likely to attract the abundance we deserve.
Six Practices To Setting Intentions
The best time to set intentions is at the dawn of a new day and the following six rituals can help us tap into the abundance around us:
1. Connect to the Breath
Bring your attention to your breath and allow it to flow freely as soon as you wake up. The morning brings with it possibilities so long as we connect with ourselves consciously.
2. Moment of Grace
Practice gratitude by listing three or more things you are grateful for. Sometimes the simplest things we take for granted are our biggest blessings.
3. Awaken Your Soul
Ask yourself questions that inspire your creativity and imagination, such as “What is my intention today?”, “What makes me feel fully alive today?” and “How can I be an authentic expression of my purpose today?”
4. Listen
Tune into your body and simply listen to the answers that come from within.
5. Anchor
Write your intentions down and hang it up where you can see it to amplify its power. It helps give you a first tangible glimpse of your intention and the potential it holds.
6. Visualize
Imagine and feel what it would be like to experience your intention manifesting. Connect with the feelings in the present moment. Surrender instead of growing attached to the outcome and rest in the belief that your intention will manifest in the way it needs to for your highest good.
Setting intentions encourages us to be present and compassionate towards ourselves and invites us to look beyond our daily circumstances to what can possibly be. The more we practice setting conscious intentions, the more connected we are with our higher selves.
From that place, we are sure to manifest a better tomorrow for us all.