5 potent ways to practice intention
Well Hello 2020! Here is to starting the New Year and new decade. Can you believe we are in the 20s again?
I took the first week of the year off in order to celebrate my birthday, rest deeply after a very full November & December, and reflect on what I would like to bring forward in the new year. I am not big on resolutions, but taking time to reflect on what has felt really good (not always the same as fun) and where I would like to grow in 2020 has become a nourishing practice for me.
I have noticed more conversation this year about reflection and resolutions since we transitioned from one decade to another, and the conversations have been mixed. Either you love it, find inspiration and excitement in doing calendar audits, journaling, selecting a word (or words) for the year, and setting goals. Or you may find yourself questioning direction and feeling pressured to have the perfected and all figured out (like, RIGHT NOW!)” Well, I hear you, and I feel you! My marketing coach told me just this week, “Kendi, everything is figure-out-able.”
One tool I use to help focus my attention is a step from iRest called Intention. Intention helps to clarify motivation, outcome, and serve as an ally to support you in focusing your attention on your intended benefit.
Here are a few ways to bring intention into action:
I’m using “Ease” as an example here for your 2020 word, adjust to whatever feels most right for you!
Say it - Create a present tense statement and say it out loud, write it down and put it where you can see it often, write repetitions in a journal, repeat it silently in your head, and share it with friends and loved ones. Here are a few to get you started exploring your own personal statement. “I meet each moment with ease.” “I am at ease body and mind.” “I find ease in my relationships/career/life.”
Take action - Consider what actions you can and are willing to take to feel how you want to feel in 2020. Revisit monthly or even weekly to continually bring your intention to life.
Embody - What does EASE feel like in your body, in your thoughts, in your breath? Take 5-10 minutes to scan your body and be curious about WHAT you feel, WHERE you feel it, and HOW you might describe the sensations. Does ease feel steady or floaty? Warm or Cool? Do you feel your shoulders soften down away from your ears? Radiating warmth in your belly? Steady, firm weight in your hips?
Set reminders - Take time to nourish your intention regularly by scheduling time to reflect, setting an alarm on your phone, or using a visual reminder. I have a stone that everytime I see it I take a brief moment to reflect on intention and feel it in my body (see bullet 3). Move the stone around from time to time to keep the visual reminder fresh and novel!
Journal - Reflect on past moments that led you to choosing your intention and how this serves your wellness, your relationships, and community. When have I felt ease in my life? Why is ease important to me now? Where/When do you find ease the most? Where did you find ease in your day today?
So regardless of which end of the spectrum you find yourself, I am here to pass along my coach’s advice and say to you, “everything is figure-out-able.” (Say it with me!)
Here are a few resources to support your intention exploration:
Danielle LaPorte - She supports you in discovering your “Core Desired Feelings” then all the little actions to bring them to life fully!
Wishing you a delightful and intentional 2020,