The Simple Intention
It was the simplest and most complex of questions: “What is an intention, and how do we set them?”
There are many books on the subject – the power of intention is a fundamental nature of consciousness – but my context is always the underlying energy: of the moment, the emotion, the desire. How, in answering, do I describe the energy of an intention – when the whole of life is an intention?
Here are some reflections:
Intentions are moments of divine creativity. They are thoughts placed into time and space … and therefore, action. What is specifically intended becomes a conglomeration, or collection, of energy … into being. We are always thinking, therefore we are never not intending. The clearer and more aligned our thoughts, the simpler and more powerful our intentions.
When I lead an Intention Setting Workshop I always include an energy tune-up. I guide participants into alignment with the energy of the intentions first: gathering from the senses and underlying psyche by reflecting upon and releasing the old – what has passed but may still be present – then, identifying (consciously or unconsciously) anything which may be preventing the true wishes to come through. In aligning the underlying psyche (including our emotions, thoughts and physicality) we create space and permission for the unrestricted wish or truth.
All wishes are intentions and all intentions are calculated projections; even if they don’t seem it at the time. An ease, softness and grace around this helps the body and soul settle, so the heart, gut and mind can include their desires. Then, inspiration can land. Finally, an alignment energetically to the updated awareness.
Intentions must be held lightly and with loving-intention. A ‘to-do’ list does not have the grace of uncovered and silently heard streams of consciousness. Writing – by hand (preferably on loose paper so it is not self-censored) – what wishes to emerge is often the kindest way of discovering hidden gems within. And then, they can be practically applied: small bite-sized intentions of action, or non-action, whatever the case may be. It is always the energy behind the action (is it chosen with love, or with fear) which is most powerful and lasting.
Once we become more practiced at this, intentions can be placed into any timeline: a year, a day … a moment, even. Personally, I currently like to hold them weekly (a word, chosen on a Monday morning, to subtly influence the background and underlying energy of my week) and also for each specific moment: a meal, a meeting … how I step into a room … how I breathe. After a while, they become a continuous guiding force … and then life really becomes magical.
Love,
Delilah
30 Jan 2025