The Power of Intention

The month of January is typically a time where many make resolutions for the New Year ahead. Things we want to do, or goals we want to achieve. But if you are anything like me, you will probably recall a number of uncompleted goals or projects sliding from one year into the next. Memberships that weren’t fully utilized, personal projects never really brought to life, or (my) personal “evergreen”: Digital photos that somehow never seem to find their way into neatly printed albums…

The intentions we set, reflect the determining power behind our actions. As the ancient Chinese philosopher and writer Lao Tzu once famously said: “Energy flows where your attention goes.” By focusing your attention, you start channeling your energy, and coupled with the intention you have you give it direction.

What you put your attention on will grow and ultimately govern what you attract into your life. From the perspective of the brain, it is your Reticular Activating System, or RAS, at play. The RAS is the part of your brain in charge of filtering what is initially registered by your subconscious mind before it is transmitted to the conscious part of your mind in command of your actions.

What is worth noticing about the RAS, however, is that it doesn’t distinguish between right or wrong. Nor will it consider what is good or bad for you to think about or do. Making sure that the intentions you set are in fact aligned to something you truly want, is therefore of utmost importance to the outcome you will have. Remember: What you think about, you bring about…

To set your intention and attention in the right direction, try to consider both your thoughts and emotions. Also try to think about a strong intention statement based on “I am” (as if it has already happened) that incorporates your goal, and then visualize your “how” and your “why.” These will be important first steps of manifesting your intention into reality. 

Love,

Sille