Acting with intention is a part of living a meaningful and purposeful life. If we are unsure of our intentions, we are more likely to live out of alignment with our values and vision. Intention setting is a powerful practice that can be practiced in the morning, before meditation, before a difficult conversation, or at any other point of your day.
Acting with Intention
To act with intention, it is important to take a moment’s pause before beginning an activity. For instance, if you are heading to a family member’s home for dinner, take a few moments to consider what is your intention for the visit. In the same way, you might pause to consider your intention before enrolling in a new course, offering a workshop, or going on vacation. Our intention will fuel our actions so that we begin living in greater alignment with what it is we really want out of life.
Intention Setting Meditation
This ‘Acting with Intention’ worksheet is a simple practice to help us realign with whatever it is we are doing. We can also explore intention setting as a formal practice. For a self-guided intention setting meditation, bring yourself to a comfortable seated position. Ground through your sit bones and take a few deep breaths to settle into the present moment. When you feel grounded, begin to reflect on the questions:
- What is it that I yearn to embody in this life?
- What is it that I have to share with the world?
- What quality or virtue might be a part of my purpose here?
Formulate your intention in a single sentence and then repeat it to yourself for three to five minutes. You might place your hands on your heart to connect more deeply. When you are ready to finish this mini-meditation, let the words dissolve and draw your attention to the breath. Let this intention follow you throughout the day or days to come.
