Mindfully creating clear intentions is one of the most powerful things we can do to create change in our lives. I’ve been devoted to this practice for a number of years, and it’s one of the practices that supports me in creating an intentional life.
It’s easy to go through life meeting whatever demands arise day to day, putting out the fires and feel exhausted at the end of the day, wondering where the time went. It’s painful to watch the years go by and try to ignore that nagging feeling that we’re just not being who we want to be in the world or doing what we secretly dream of doing.
“You get what you intend to create by being in harmony with the power of intention, which is responsible for all of creation.” – Wayne Dyer
Many years ago, I realized that life doesn’t have to be that way. Yes, creating clear intentions takes willingness to sit with the grief of a life unlived, it takes courage to dream big, and then it takes perseverance to see our intentions through. The result of that conscious effort is a life that feels more congruent with who we are and what we value, which means that we feel like we’re living in integrity, and that typically makes for a greater sense of peace and happiness.
It really is possible to live the life that we imagine. This is one of many reasons that my life and all of my work—as a meditation teacher, coach, counselor and photographer—is grounded in creating clear intentions. This year and every year, I encourage you to make the time to create clear intentions for the coming year.
If you want some guidance and support with clarifying your intentions and/or taking action toward realizing them, I’m opening up room in my schedule for a few new coaching clients AND offering a 20% discount on a 3-month coaching package for the first three coaching clients who sign up by January 4, 2016. These slots get scooped up quickly, so contact me soon if you’re interested!
Mindful Writing for Transformation is a practice that can support you in realizing your intentions. Mindful Writing is a contemplative practice that explores the heart and mind through deep writing. It teaches the practice of inner listening with nonjudgmental awareness, curiosity and compassion. The practice is useful for finding your authentic voice, learning to trust your inner wisdom, increasing self-compassion and transforming difficult experiences. This practice is for writers and non-writers alike, those who are interested in personal and spiritual growth and writers who are interested in creative freedom. Mindful Writing calms and centers the body and mind and keeps the attention focused on the present moment while writing.
Remember that treating ourselves with kindness and compassion is one of the most effective things that we can do to support ourselves in following through with intentions. So please treat yourselves with the same kindness and compassion with which you would treat your only child today and every day.
Sending you love and gratitude for being a part of the Everyday Mindful community and warm wishes for a Happy New Year.