The New Year: Setting Intentions vs. Resolutions

As we all settle into this new year, we think of the habits we'd like to let go of, and those we'd like to acquire.

Typically, we make resolutions.

"I'm going to lose 20 pounds."
"I'm going vegan!"
"I'm going to quit smoking."

These are definitely handy notions, but in essence they're items we'd like to DO.
Intentions focus more on how we'd like to FEEL.

One issue with resolutions, is that they imply circumstances will be better once certain factors are different. We'll be happier once we change who we are. When we fall short of our avowed "to-do's" we can feel lazy or disappointed with ourselves. Most resolutions are discarded by mid-February. Not to mention resolutions are limiting. They're governed by the mind, and anything governed by the mind doesn’t have great consequences.

Sankalpa is the Sanskrit word for intention. Intentions are instead for the soul’s growth. A good intention nurtures consciousness and has the power to significantly raise awareness. When setting intentions, we worry about our actions because righteous intention creates righteous actions. An intention will help create more clarity. Setting an intention is like drawing a map of where you wish to go — it becomes the driving force of your higher consciousness. Without an intention there is no map, and you're just driving down a road with no destination in mind.

In a nutshell, resolutions are about outcomes, whereas intentions are about the JOURNEY.

Key points to bear in mind as you set intentions are:

• Keep it positive. Make the intention has a positive tone. If your intention is to de-stress, then say something like, "My intention is to invite peace and calm within myself during today's meditation." as opposed to "My intention is to fight this stupid stress."

• Make sure the intention can evolve. If you stick with the same intention week after week, your mind will stop responding to it. Be advised that you shouldn't drastically alter your intentions or goals too frequently. The goal is polish and enhance.

• Aim for the short term. By all means think of the big picture,  just divide your long-term intention into shorter ones. This will help achieve a grandiose goal in shorter, more powerful segments.

• An intention cannot be forced. It's a seed that you have to sow and then let reap on its own. 

• It must be intention you believe in. If not, the purpose of the intention is ruined.

• Detach from the Outcome. Relinquish your attachment to a specific result and live in the wisdom of uncertainty. Intend for everything to work out as it should, then let go and allow opportunities and openings to come your way. You've released your intentions into the fertile ground of pure potentiality. They will bloom when the season is right!

• Let the Universe handle the details. Your focused intentions set the organizing power of the universe in motion. Trust it to orchestrate the complete fulfillment of your desires.  

• Gratitude is an extremely important part of the intention-setting process. If you’re always  wanting and wanting and wanting, (not finding the peace or the gratitude in your life), you'll be in a constant state of scarcity. 

Some sample intentions might be:

I intend to manifest happiness naturally.
I intend to respond first, and then react.
I intend to witness Divinity in everyone.
I intend to lead by example.
I intend to be open to success and abundance.
I intend to stop taking things personally.
I intend to forgive others, and myself.
I intend to love unconditionally.
I intend to make meditation a more important part of my lifestyle.

My intentions for the month of January:

I will focus more of my time, energy and attention on artistic passions and endeavors.

I focus on my inner purpose, dismissing outer distractions.

I am devoting my energy and schedule to creating projects that matter most to my soul.

I will take advantage of the trainings that have presented themselves to me, further enriching my mind and skill-sets.

What are your intentions? 

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