Tools for Healing: Intentions
“Every Journey begins with the first step of articulating the intention and then becoming the intention.”
Starting a new year -a new decade, for many can spark a degree of hope, inspiration and a calling to grow and deepen personal wisdom. As we are inundated by messages of wellness, healing, growth, and challenges our wish is to spend a little time talking about intentions and the purpose intentions serve in the healing process.
Intentions can be looked at as roadmaps that can guide where our energy and efforts should go. Setting an intention starts with a focus on what we are striving for directed by care for the highest good of all, especially ourselves. Intentions are not goals, it isn’t something we attach to as an expectation or evaluation of ourselves. Intentions are instead a continuous process that we are committed to --a practice that has no limits. Some examples that we’ve witnessed transform survivors in the healing process are:
“Responding to triggers instead of reacting to them.”
“Letting go of fear when new people or opportunities show up.”
“checking in with my body when angry, sad, or fearful.”
“Listening to understand instead of listening to respond.”
“Nurturing myself when overwhelmed with life and circumstances beyond my control.”
The purpose is not to be perfect at our intention, but rather committed to the practice and journey specific to our intention.
Meaningful intentions can answer the questions of “Why is this important to me?” and “Why do I want this?” In doing so we allow the journey of said intention to fulfill itself. We relinquish control over the dynamics that bring forth the specific intentions but instead welcome it in whatever shape it manifests itself. We welcome the possibility of trying and growth, regardless of the outcome.
Here are some questions aimed at self-reflection meant to help you get started in forming an intention:
What matters most to you?
What would you like to build, create, or nurture in your life?
What would you like to let go of?
How do you feel when you are your happiest self?
What makes you proud?
What word(s) would you like to align yourself with?
What fears would you like to release?
What are you grateful for?
Credit: Eisler, M. (2018, February 10). Intention setting 101. Retrieved from https://mindfulminutes.com/intention-setting-101/
In addition, here are 10 intentions you can borrow or build from:
Find balance
Open your mind and heart
Peace
Stay steady, calm and focused
Act with courage
Embrace change
Give and receive love
Allow yourself to be vulnerable
Connect with others
Love
Credit: Eisler, M. (2018, February 10). Intention setting 101. Retrieved from https://mindfulminutes.com/intention-setting-101/
You can adapt one of these if it resonates with you. Regardless of how you find your intention, we hope that it guides your healing process and is personal to you.