The Mirror - Attention to Your Intention
Intention is a determination to act in a certain way. Sometimes, these intentions are part of our awareness, as in consciousness; other times, our intentions are not part of our awareness. Understanding our determination to act or behave in a certain way helps us focus on the "Why."
Why are you behaving in a certain way?
Why do we have these feelings toward a situation or person?
Why do we keep falling into the same pattern and repeating our toxic habits?
Attention to intention bridges the gap between your internal desires and external actions. It fosters congruence, ensuring your actions reflect your deeper values and aspirations. The phrase "attention to your intention" is a powerful reminder of aligning your focus with your goals and values.
Do we let others gauge our everyday functioning, or do we be genuine and authentic with ourselves? I can think of one personal example. For instance, my husband and I like to talk about spirituality and how it applies to everyday practice in social situations. Completely normal for us to talk and question individuals' intentions and the rationale behind what they do; however, a bystander who is not interested in understanding individuals' intentions may see this as irrelevant or a necessary context to navigate social situations. We often feel alienated within our social group because we question one's intentions. I referenced earlier about intentions and how important it is to pay attention to your intention, but to most, that is a foreign concept. Aimlessly, individuals navigate life without ever questioning their intentions. But if you step back and ask your intention and rationale, you will learn a lot about how you perceive the world around you. Not only how you perceive the world around you, but you will learn a lot about the internal dialogue with yourself.
Understanding the "WHY" or the intent behind your behavior and approach to participation in life will ultimately assist you in aligning with your authentic self. Intentions are a powerful thing - As I mentioned, our intentions are driven by conscious and unconscious thoughts. Dissecting our behavior is important to understand the motivation behind why we do what we do. For example, say you were invited to a social event with friends. Maybe you really do not feel like going and don't want to say "No," so you text the friends - "Hey, sweet of you to invite me, but I already have plans!" - To add to this example, you really do not have plans, and you do not want to go. When we question the behavior of lying to our friends so we do not have to go, we ask the intent. Why would you lie and not just tell the truth and set firm boundaries? Maybe you are doing it to protect them, maybe to protect your own ego so you don't look like a person who says "No" to fun.
Intentions often reflect our inner values and goals. This reflection assists with harnessing the energy that we want to send to the world. A clear understanding of your intention is like a roadmap to assist you with creating the environment you want. Practices like meditation and mindfulness help us be more aware of our behavior and impact on the energy we bring to the world. This awareness requires you to be present in your actions, constantly checking in to ensure you align with your desired outcome. We ultimately improve what we pay attention to, or my favorite self-improvement concept, GROW.
In conclusion, understanding and aligning with our intentions is a transformative practice that fosters authenticity, mindfulness, and personal growth. When we deliberate on our intention, we uncover the "why" behind our behaviors and choices, clarifying our motivations. This process enhances our self-awareness and empowers us to act in harmony with our values and goals. By questioning our intentions, we challenge ourselves to break free from unconscious patterns and cultivate a deeper connection with our authentic selves. Living with intention enables us to navigate life with purpose, integrity, and resilience, whether in the most minor daily actions or the grandest life pursuits.
Ultimately, attention to intention is a guiding principle that helps us align our inner world with our external actions, fostering a more meaningful and fulfilling existence.
Disclaimer:
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified health professionals with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information you have read here.
