It's February, and for the last few weeks, I've been mulling over my intentions for 2016.
The lovely thing about setting an intention versus a resolution is an intention can be fluid if it needs to be, and it doesn't have to be January 1 when you set it. When I set an intention any time in the year, I am shifting my focus to a new thought or way of being.
The wonderful thing about an intention is I can adjust it at any time. Another bonus is intentions feel more positive than resolutions, which can seem like a set up for failure.
Would you like to set an intention or two for 2016? Here are some tips on how to go about it.
5 Tips for Setting Your Intentions
Let your heart and gut be your guide.
If your thoughts and deepest wishes are gravitating toward an area of your life, let your intention be about that area. I've been pulled toward making some changes in how I spend my time as well as letting go of some things that no longer serve me, so my intentions reflect this focus in my life.
Phrase your intention in a positive way. (And write it down!)
Another deviation from resolutions is that an intention is phrased differently. It is a big picture idea of what you would like to see more of in your life. One way to phrase your intentions is how I have done below.
May I spend more time awake and aware in this moment.
May I let go of the things and the habits that no longer serve me.
May I make choices that allow me to spend more time doing things that fill me up.
Find a way to live it/support it.
Once you've set an intention, see if there is an action you can take to help you shift your attention toward it. Maybe there is a class or a book or a group you could join that will support you as you explore your intention.
For example, here are some ways I intend to support my intentions. You don't have to have it all figured out on day one. As opportunities to live your intention present themselves, see if it feels right to participate.
May I spend more time awake and aware in this moment.
I plan to continue my daily meditation practice and to complete the online meditation class I started. I would like to connect with other parents that live nearby to get together monthly to discuss and practice mindfulness and meditation. I would like to attend a meditation/mindfulness retreat.
May I let go of the things and the habits that no longer serve me.
I have found inspiration from this Minimalism Challenge and this Minimalism Game. I also signed up for a 365-day course with the Daily Om called A Year to Clear What is Holding You Back!
May I make choices that allow me to spend more time doing things that fill me up.
This one is harder for me, but I feel like working on the above two intentions will make it easier for me to choose to do the things I enjoy and need in my life. I also plan to start writing in my journal each night my what my intentions are for the next day, and then I will checking in with them the following night. I have used an intention journal before, and it has helped me to shift my habits in the past.
Be kind to yourself.
An intention isn't helpful if it makes you feel like a failure or overwhelmed. Try just setting one intention. It will naturally shift your focus and your thoughts. If thinking about your intention causes you to feel anxious or worried, try pausing, taking a deep breath, and noticing how the anxiety or worry is felt in your body. Ultimately, if we are able to approach ourselves with kind attention, we will be more likely to change in the ways we desire. An excellent way to reinforce this sense of kindness toward ourselves and others is to practice lovingkindness. Here is are two lovingkindness meditations from two of my favorite meditation teachers.
Guided Lovingkindness Meditation with Tara Brach
Unguided Lovingkindness Meditation from Jack Kornfield
Be flexible.
If your intention isn't resonating with you anymore, feel free to change it. Periodically revisiting your intentions and where you place your attention will give you a chance to adjust, so that you are moving in the direction you desire.
Have you been mulling over or set any intentions for 2016? If so, what areas of your life are you focusing on?
If you happen to want to deepen your meditation practice, Sounds True has a free, 3-part meditation video series that's based upon the course I am taking. Tara Brach's website is also a great resource for guided meditations and meditation talks.
Blessings!
Joanna
The lovely thing about setting an intention versus a resolution is an intention can be fluid if it needs to be, and it doesn't have to be January 1 when you set it. When I set an intention any time in the year, I am shifting my focus to a new thought or way of being.
The wonderful thing about an intention is I can adjust it at any time. Another bonus is intentions feel more positive than resolutions, which can seem like a set up for failure.
Would you like to set an intention or two for 2016? Here are some tips on how to go about it.
5 Tips for Setting Your Intentions
Let your heart and gut be your guide.
If your thoughts and deepest wishes are gravitating toward an area of your life, let your intention be about that area. I've been pulled toward making some changes in how I spend my time as well as letting go of some things that no longer serve me, so my intentions reflect this focus in my life.
Phrase your intention in a positive way. (And write it down!)
Another deviation from resolutions is that an intention is phrased differently. It is a big picture idea of what you would like to see more of in your life. One way to phrase your intentions is how I have done below.
May I spend more time awake and aware in this moment.
May I let go of the things and the habits that no longer serve me.
May I make choices that allow me to spend more time doing things that fill me up.
Find a way to live it/support it.
Once you've set an intention, see if there is an action you can take to help you shift your attention toward it. Maybe there is a class or a book or a group you could join that will support you as you explore your intention.
For example, here are some ways I intend to support my intentions. You don't have to have it all figured out on day one. As opportunities to live your intention present themselves, see if it feels right to participate.
May I spend more time awake and aware in this moment.
I plan to continue my daily meditation practice and to complete the online meditation class I started. I would like to connect with other parents that live nearby to get together monthly to discuss and practice mindfulness and meditation. I would like to attend a meditation/mindfulness retreat.
May I let go of the things and the habits that no longer serve me.
I have found inspiration from this Minimalism Challenge and this Minimalism Game. I also signed up for a 365-day course with the Daily Om called A Year to Clear What is Holding You Back!
May I make choices that allow me to spend more time doing things that fill me up.
This one is harder for me, but I feel like working on the above two intentions will make it easier for me to choose to do the things I enjoy and need in my life. I also plan to start writing in my journal each night my what my intentions are for the next day, and then I will checking in with them the following night. I have used an intention journal before, and it has helped me to shift my habits in the past.
Be kind to yourself.
An intention isn't helpful if it makes you feel like a failure or overwhelmed. Try just setting one intention. It will naturally shift your focus and your thoughts. If thinking about your intention causes you to feel anxious or worried, try pausing, taking a deep breath, and noticing how the anxiety or worry is felt in your body. Ultimately, if we are able to approach ourselves with kind attention, we will be more likely to change in the ways we desire. An excellent way to reinforce this sense of kindness toward ourselves and others is to practice lovingkindness. Here is are two lovingkindness meditations from two of my favorite meditation teachers.
Guided Lovingkindness Meditation with Tara Brach
Unguided Lovingkindness Meditation from Jack Kornfield
Be flexible.
If your intention isn't resonating with you anymore, feel free to change it. Periodically revisiting your intentions and where you place your attention will give you a chance to adjust, so that you are moving in the direction you desire.
Have you been mulling over or set any intentions for 2016? If so, what areas of your life are you focusing on?
If you happen to want to deepen your meditation practice, Sounds True has a free, 3-part meditation video series that's based upon the course I am taking. Tara Brach's website is also a great resource for guided meditations and meditation talks.
Blessings!
Joanna
