The Power of Intentions
As we progress through 2020, there has been large shifts in the way we carry out our lives, due mostly to things beyond our control. For many of us, things have slowed down or redirected, other paths have become evident and existing paths may no longer be possible. In times of great change, it is natural to feel unsettled or anxious, but there are ways in which we can consciously bring ourselves back into the present. For me, developing a practice of setting intentions allows a small scale, achievable checkpoint in daily focus for small conscious action.
Setting intentions has become quite a buzz phrase, bridging the psychology and spiritual worlds. For years, eastern philosophies have integrated intentions into daily practice, to exercise conscious thought into daily activity. As psychologists, we encourage the use of intention setting exercises to help bring conscious awareness to thought and behaviours, to direct a positive impact towards our physical and mental health. For some people "setting intentions" and "manifesting" huge shifts in their lives seems out of reach, but it's important to note, that all shifts and all intentions will start small and will take time to grow into a bigger more observable positive change.
When we begin to set intentions in our life, we hold space for planning and hope. It sits beyond the realm of a goal, as a goal is generally achievement focused. For my Psychotherapy certification, I pursued a project in intention setting, and found that my participants experienced shifts in emotional wellbeing through focused energy and stress reduction. It also set up the space for action, with many participants in following months changing jobs, pursuing new study and making significant health changes.
For me the following is important when setting an intention
1. Start small; small shifts make space for bigger change
2. Be consistent; all work worth doing takes time
3. Show self compassion; ensure you are sensitive and empathic towards your own thoughts and feelings.
4. Be mindful; intentions promote presence to observe our thoughts and actions, allow space for mindful intention setting and meditation.
Although there is so much buzz around this phrase, I have seen the benefits of intention setting in my practice and in my own life. Deepak Chopra refers to a poem by the Upanishads which sums it up quite nicely;
"You are what your deep driving desire is;
As your deep driving desire, so is your will;
As is your will, so is your deed;
As is your deed, so is your destiny"
As things continue to shift for many of us in 2020, I hope some intention can help us ground and grow for the remainder of the year.
