Setting powerful intentions
New year, new beginnings…For a lot of people, the start of a new year creates an opportunity to start afresh, to let go of the old and welcome in the new. Like a fresh, new chapter in the book of your life, a new year can represent an opportunity to release old habits and set new intentions for your year ahead. I prefer to think in terms of intentions than resolutions as I feel there is more space and room for potential with intentions.
As Deepak Chopra suggests:
“An intention is a directed impulse of consciousness that contains the seed form of that which you aim to create. Like real seeds, intentions can’t grow if you hold on to them. Only when you release your intentions into the fertile depths of your consciousness can they grow and flourish.”
So how do we go about setting intentions that work for us? Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Let go of what was
OK, so maybe last year didn’t pan out how you’d hoped.Maybe there are unresolved issues that you feel are holding you back.With kindness in your heart and mind, write down what you’d like to let go of, and how you’d like to feel instead. How will you know you’ve moved on? What we will be present for that isn’t present now? What needs to happen for you to shift?
2. Be clear and specific
It’s hard to hit a target you can’t see, so the clearer you are about the new intentions you’d like to manifest, the better.Get in to the details: who, what, where, how? Write them down.
3. Find stillness
Our minds are active and full of thoughts, emotions, and memories so it’s helpful to find some stillness, and create a ‘gap’ where we can just for a moment. Even if you don’t meditate per se, you can do this by sitting comfortably, removed from all distractions such as computers, phone, tv and people, and just close your eyes.Take some slow, deep breaths and relax. Take a few minutes to just breathe, letting go of any thoughts as they pop into your head. And then in this space, plant the seed of your intention by simply stating it clearly in your mind. It’s helpful to have your positive intentions in the present tense.Repeat a few times, and then let them go. You can repeat this process, or incorporate them in your meditation practice.
4. Set them free and detach from specific outcomes
Once you’ve stated your intentions, let them go. Avoid becoming fixated on them and trust the process. You’ve intended for a positive outcome in your intentions, and now you need to let go of any specific and fixed outcome.
5. Create and act
So, you’ve set your intentions and released them…now what part will you play in making them a reality? It’s time to get in to action and bring those intentions to life. Are you looking to move? Then begin shortlisting some areas you’d like to move to; go there, feel out the place.Want a new relationship? Start thinking about the kinds of activities, interests, or hobbies you’d like a future partner to be interested in, and get involved.New job? Imagine yourself in the job you desire, the kind of role you’d like, the environment you want to work in…get your CV up to date.
“Our intention creates our reality.” Wayne Dyer
6. Be in awareness and gratitude
To tap into the opportunities around you, you’ll need to pay attention. Stay flexible and open to possibilities as they can present themselves, often in ways you least expect. And by remaining in a state of gratitude, your energy is positive and nourishing.
Here’s to 2018! May it bring you your heart’s desires and may your intentions be fully manifested.
"The more aware of your intentions and your experiences you become, the more you will be able to connect the two, and the more you will be able to create the experiences of your life consciously. This is the development of mastery. It is the creation of authentic power." Gary Zukav