We probably hear it at yoga, during a meditation, or see that our friends or family are consistently setting intentions. But what does that really mean to set an intention, and why is it important to do so?
Setting an intention is a way to set a mindset or feeling for yourself.
An intention is a guiding principle for how you want to be, live, and show up in the world. It is based off of what matters most to us and forming ourselves from there.
Intentions should not be confused with a goal. Unlike setting a goal, there is no expectation, evaluation, or tangible outcome from an intention. An intention is heart-drive, evokes feelings, purpose, and attitude.
Let’s look at it this way; the reason we want to achieve a certain goal is because we believe it will make us feel a certain way. The reason we want to set an intention is to adapt a mindset, feeling, or purpose. These become a permanent fixture of ourselves, whereas the feelings we get from achieving goals can be fleeting or temporary.
Why Set an Intention?
Think: law of attraction. What we think is what we become. Setting intentions is a way of aligning ourselves and becoming who we want to be. It is a way to embody the positive traits and thoughts that we sometimes just wish we had.
There are no limits with intentions. They can be minimal or expansive.
But why set an intention?
Intentions make us feel more effective. They get us out of our head, and into the mindset of who we really want to be.
How do I set an intention?
Intentions are tied to personal thoughts, values, and perspective. Think about what is important to you, or what characteristics or mindsets people have around you that you would like to embody.
Keep it positive! Don’t begin your intention with “stop doing this”. Instead, try saying, “be this” or “allow this”.
Ask yourself questions like these:
- what matters most to me?
- what do I want to build, create, or nurture?
- what do I want to let go of?
- who do I want to forgive?
- what fears do I want to release?
- what am I grateful for?
It also may be helpful to begin with one or two intentions at a time. They can be practiced daily or weekly, through yoga or meditation, or through journaling or saying out loud throughout the day. Find what works best for you, and ways to practice these intentions that feels right for you.
Most importantly, relinquish your rigid attachment to the outcome. Let go, and let the universe handle the details.
Here are some examples of intentions that we love:
- Find balance
- Open my heart and mind
- Be at peace
- Stay calm
- Act with courage
- Embrace change
- Give and receive love
- Connect with others
- Manifest happiness naturally
- Lead by example
- Forgive myself
- Love unconditionally
Happy intention setting! Let’s be better than we were yesterday.
Click here for more information on depression treatment.
Check us out on Instagram or Facebook for more like this!
Interested in working with us? Find us here!
