LESSON 2 Living with Intention & Affirmations What is an Intention? Well, according to The Free Dictionary it is a course of action that one intends to follow, an aim that guides action, an objective.
So it would seem that it's how you make your goals and dreams manifest, the starting point. Indeed the force/energy that fulfills our needs whatever they may be, from health and love to money and of course spiritual awakening. An intention statement is a statement that talks about what one wants to do, or intend to do. While goals stem from our human-level self (intellect or emotions) intention comes from our essential nature, which accesses an energy source beyond our physical selves. Based in awareness, intention carries with it dynamic creative power and inspiration. It stems from our inner yearnings, not from external input A working definition for intention is: to have in mind a purpose or plan, to direct the mind, to aim. Lacking intention, we sometimes stray without meaning or direction. But with it, all the forces of the universe can align to make even the most impossible, possible. Setting an intention, according to the Buddhist teachings, is quite different than goal making. It is a path or practice that is focused on how you are "being" in the present moment rather than a future outcome. Your attention is on the ever present "now" in the constantly changing flow of life. You set your intentions based on understanding what matters most to you and make a commitment to align your worldly actions with your inner values. Then the attention you give It is the energy that sets to motion the universe. Goals of course can help you make your mark in the world and be productive. But being grounded in intention is what provides integrity and unity in your life. Through the skillful cultivation of intention, you learn to make wise goals and then to work hard toward achieving them without getting caught in attachment to outcome. Remembering your intentions can help you reconnect with yourself during those emotional storms that cause you to lose touch with yourself. This remembering is a blessing, because it provides a sense of meaning in your life that is independent of whether you achieve certain goals or not. Remember, it is not the destination but the journey that allows for expansion.
Of course by being in touch with and acting from your true intentions, you become more effective in reaching your goals than when you act from wants and insecurities. What is a Pure Intention? Spiritually speaking, pure intention taps into divine energy (versus ego energy), it is for the highest good, and it is non-competing. For example, you may have an intention to joyfully have a dinner party for your friends. You might also have an intention related to peace and quiet. Do you see that these are competing intentions? You cannot joyfully manifest the dinner party when a part of you wants peace and quiet. One intention is not better than another; however, you will need to choose and/or work with the parts of yourself that are not in harmony. If you find that your intentions are not being fulfilled, you might have competing intentions to work on. Often, competing intentions related to what you physically want (dinner party) versus underlying fears (my house might be very noisy). Manifesting Pure Intentions Pure intentions are infused with an unconditional and clear knowing that the fulfillment of it will have a positive learning, growing and/or healing outcome for you and for all those involved, it is your next best step (or direction) towards a more fulfilling life, and that you are worthy to receive what you want to manifest. In other words it's for the best and highest good for all. Once you create an intention, check in with yourself and see if it feels pure. Is it clear? Is it something you can put on a bumper sticker and be proud of? Do your other intentions support it? Do you feel there is a divine reason for the intention (versus ego reason)? Is it for the highest good of all concerned? Does it feel peaceful and relaxing?
When setting Intentions they should be 1. Meaningful to You Intentions are what you want to manifest. Authentic and powerful intentions do not try to manipulate or control others or their behavior. Nor do they wish for something to be different than the way it is. You accept what is and step into the opportunity to create what you want! Your intention is your call to action- I intend, My intention is. I now intend... etc. A meaningful intention is sincere and promotes well-being. 2. Present Tense of the End Result An intention is represented in the end result you want to achieve- the present tense of what you want today, and your future, to look like. It is not a to do list. An intention is complete and directs your choices and your energy. 3. Expansive Since you do not know how good it can be, do not limit yourself to what you can receive! During the process of setting an intention set aside any limiting thoughts or beliefs. For example, I am meeting my financial obligations (limiting) versus I now intend with ease and grace to experience financial prosperity. Go for itallow for miracles in your life. 4. Achievable & Believable to You You should feel that your intention is achievable and believable. A stretch is good, however, too much of a stretch is self-defeating. You may experience some emotional resistance (especially in the beginning), however, this is usually the false programming from childhood, past lives & ego getting in your way! Remember, change is hard for most of us. (More on programming later) 5. Positive An intention is stated in the positive, or what you want, versus what you don t want. It is a new, or fresh, idea and not a redo of the past. It is a positive mental
image of what you want to manifest. For example, I am easily and joyfully maintaining my ideal body weight versus I am not overweight. 6. Being versus Doing- Call in Grace and Ease Intentions include how you want to receive the manifestation of your intention. How will you be with yourself, others, and the universe during the process of manifesting your intention? How, energetically, will your intention manifest? You will be best served to use words like easily, gracefully, peacefully, naturally, joyfully, harmoniously, etc. Why not? 7. Empowering Words Since your intention is 100% believable to you, do not use the words always or never because that is unrealistic. Also, avoid the word should because it has an obligatory essence versus and expansive energy. 8. Clear and Concise Clarity is important. Exactly what do you want your experience to look and feel like? The shorter, the better. Long intentions tend to get, and keep you, in your head. The best intentions are clear and concise. And being brief has a natural way of keeping space open for surprises! What Can We Do to Train Our Mind? Segment Intending, one of our favorite exercises from Abraham-Hicks, is a simple way to train your mind to help you while also accomplishing a lot each day. How to go about Segment Intending I enjoy segment intending, it helps me stay present in each moment, by stating my intention for each activity I do. A wonderful practice for being mindful. 1. Pick the length of time for your segment. It can be any length of time, but no more than an hour. You can decide exactly what time a segment will start and end, or you can simply set a new intention as you begin a new activity.
2. Decide on your aim for that segment. It could be a list of tasks, a state of being, or both. For instance, you might decide that you will strive to remain light-heartened while you return phone calls for 30 minutes. Or it could be that you are intending to drive safely, arriving at your destination on time, refreshed, or that you will shop with grace and ease finding everything on your list, and a cashier waiting to great you! This is how I move through traffic with all greens lights, how I never wait in line for a cashier, and always drive safely! For example: Before you get out of bed, you can intend to have a fun or productive day. Before you leave the house, you can intend to have quality time with your family or roommate. Before you start your car, you can intend to have a safe ride to work. Before you enter your workplace, you can intend to learn something new or be helpful. Before the meeting begins, you can intend to be brilliant or calm. 3. When the segment start time arrives, start your segment with no second thoughts. Put your attention solely on the tasks for that segment and nothing else. 4. If you get interrupted during your segment, you need to decide whether the interruption is important enough for you to stop your segment (for instance, if your boss stops by your office for a chat). If the interruption is not important enough, keep going on your segment. If the interruption is important, make a conscious decision to stop your current segment and start a new one (one centered around the interruption). Practice doing these segments throughout the day. Each segment is a training period for your mind, and will teach your mind to assist you in whatever you are doing. Through Segment intending you ll find your mind becoming much more responsive to your needs as a spirit. Enjoy!
Intention vs. Affirmation Intention is an essential and powerful tool. Stating intention before rising in the morning, as you get ready for sleep, before meditation and at different intersections throughout your day will assist you to "set the energy" for all your interactions. Intention is a conscious reminder to all aspects of your being of what you want to experience. It is an acknowledgment and invitation to GOD and the different aspects of your being to participate in all your interactions. Affirmations Affirmations are similar to intention as they are a reminder to all the different aspects of your being what you want to create and experience. Affirmations are beneficial in reprogramming the subconscious mind and ego. An affirmation is an act of confirming something to be true. The major difference is Intentions are designed for a specific result. They are instrumental in the process of releasing fear or dis-ease, as well as being a wonderful demonstration of loving and nurturing yourself. Affirmations help you maintain a focus of drawing forward positive energy. Has been my experience that writing the affirmations for yourself is beneficial because it allows your thoughts to be put into action. Affirm the Best of Your Intentions I find affirmations most useful for filling the space created after releasing the old gunk/programs. If you do not fill the space, the old stuff may return. My experience is, writing affirmations for yourself is beneficial. It allows your new, positive thoughts to be set into action. Following are some principles I believe are vital to the success of using affirmations to increase your consciousness level.
1. Positive First, word the affirmation in a positive way. Just like setting an intention, It is a positive mental image of what you want to manifest. 2. Succinct & Direct Use the present tense, being short and specific. An example of this would be I am now confident and successful. 3. Empowering Words used to phrase affirmations I am abundant, prosperous and enjoy my success. I am healthy, whole and complete now. I am a divine being having a human experience. I am loving, kind, caring and worthy of love. I am joyful and grateful for all my blessings. I am excited and enthusiastic about the day. I am a perfect example of God s love working in my life 4. Emotions Unlike an intention, with a affirmation it works best to have emotions about the desire, to feel what you are expressing. You need to know, feel, and/or experience that the manifestation of your affirmation can really be true for you. Can you feel, or perhaps visualize, having the experience you want to have? It is recommended that you state affirmations throughout your day. HOW TO AVOID MENTAL CONFLICT The following is the ideal way to overcome this conflict for those who have this difficulty. Make this practical statement frequently, particularly prior to sleep: "By day and by night I am being prospered in all of my interests." This affirmation will not arouse any argument because it does not contradict your subconscious mind's impression of financial lack.
Here are some examples to highlight the difference between affirmations and intention statements. Affirmation: I earn $100,000 per year. Intention Statement: It is my intention to easily and consistently earn $100,000 per year. Affirmation: I have a brand new luxury car. Intention statement: I intend to have a brand new luxury car. EXERCISE 2: CREATING CLEAR INTENTIONS AND AFFIRMATIONS For this exercise create 4 to 5 intention statements about your spirituality, health, and finances. Then do the same for affirmations. Once you're written them incorporate them into your daily routine. Next exercise: Consciously segment intend every activity you do for one week. For example: When the phone rings, set an intention as to the outcome..."i intend for this conversation to be pleasant." AFFIRMATION: "All of life now comes to me with ease and joy!"