I am sure you have heard talk about being present in the moment. There are so many things now that fall under the mindful or intuitive umbrella. Mindful meditation. Intuitive eating. Intuitive healing. Mindful living. It brings to mind a sense of harmony. Imagine feeling in touch with whatever you do. When was the last time you were 100% focused on one activity? It is not uncommon to have your tv or music streaming while you eat, drink, shower, or clean. Perhaps it’s a simple distraction while you eat, scrolling your phone, or reading a book. The second you add anything else, you dilute your focus. This isn’t always bad. Multi-tasking can be a beneficial and effective use of time, listening to a podcast or an audiobook while you exercise, for example. On the other hand, being present in the moment allows you to take it all in.
Being mindful is saved for the yoga class or meditation. Intuition is too intangible. Slowly but surely, sensory overload has become routine. If we want to get back to mindful and intuitive behavior, we have to make a conscious effort. It will take work. But it will be worth it. I found a technique that makes it easier. Read the full post here How to set an Intention in two easy steps. She shares some great information, but I want to focus on the specific steps.
Start with the Experience you want to Create
I love, love, love this. In my Something More program, the first thing I have you do is create an atmosphere or aesthetic using your five senses. When you stop to ask yourself how you want to feel, you are honoring your very soul. It’s so freeing to think about creating that experience. You aren’t going to be a passive bystander. You are going to create it. You. With your own hands, or heart, or mind.
Here’s the example from the original post:
I intend to start my morning in such a way that I have the ability to pursue my passion of writing so that I can help others lead more fulfilling lives.
The opportunity flows out of the statement, “the ability to pursue my passion.” It’s easy to imagine. Here we’re talking about the simple act of getting up early enough to write. But we’ve taken it from horrible (getting up at 5:30. In. the. morning) to experiential. I want that.
Explore the Purpose of the Intention
Not only does the author help you create an experience, but she makes it next-level by having you define the purpose. She calls this “the personally relevant why.” Not why society says you should do this. Not your partner, coach, parent, boss, church. No one but you. Again, she encourages you to take it further. Your purpose is about the impact it will have on you.
I intend to start my morning in such a way that I have the ability to pursue my passion of writing so that I can help others lead more fulfilling lives.
So, instead of “to write” you define what you hope to accomplish by writing.
As an aside, there are a couple of great videos recommended in the original post. Simon Sinek is the guru of why don’t miss his Ted Talk. Watch these videos with intention. Before you start, put this out there as a trial.
I intend to watch these videos with an open mind and learning heart so that I will uncover my own why to infuse in all that I do.
Previously, we talked about whether or not you were answering the right call (to adventure). When you are in touch with your why, it will make it a lot easier to hear those whispers. Shiny objects and squirrels can distract you and steer you astray. Be sure to check your alignment once in a while.
Bring these intentions into different areas of your life. The more you work with them, the more natural it will become. I recommend starting small.
Here are a couple of examples
The next time you prepare your favorite beverage, use this as a chance to set your intention. For just a moment, ignore all the external noise and focus on the task at hand: making and enjoying a beverage. If you’re making a cup of tea, set the water to boil, prepare your tea bag, or loose leaf tea, have your sweetener and cup ready. Feel the steam on your face as you inhale the scent of your tea leaves and herbs. Stir in your sweetener think about how it will add sweetness and kindness to your day. Focus on the intent as your tea steeps. If other thoughts enter your mind, let them float on by like clouds on the breeze. Come back to the feel of your warm mug, the scent of your tea, and your intention. Think about your intention as you take your first sip. Imagine acting it out, receiving it, whatever works for the purpose you set. Fully embrace it.
I belong to a circle of women that meet a couple of times a month to meditate together, learn together, and share our lives. Each meeting begins with a moment to set the intention for the session. Sometimes we start with a prayer, or it could just be a quick call to order to make sure everyone understands why we are there. If you’re not leading or feel uncomfortable doing this in a group, give yourself a moment before your meetings to quietly set your intention. Ask yourself what you want to get out of a meeting and what impact it would have. Remember, all you need to do is define the experience and the purpose.
Do you want to go deeper with this? I’m hosting a free, virtual goal setting and habit building program. For five weeks, I’ll email out a worksheet and guide to help you brainstorm ideas, pick a quest, set some goals, and make a plan to stay on track. We begin on February 15th. Let’s come up with a quest for Something More. Together we can read books, start getting ready for Summer adventures or improve our crafting skills. Anything as long as we’re doing Something More!