I am not sure if it is the energy signature of this year, or if it is written in the astrological stars, but an interesting phenomenon I have been observing is the power of setting an intention. Taking time to be clear on what you would like to happen or manifest in your life, and having that clear intention in your mind, will lead to its manifestation. I have witnessed this for myself, along with friends and other members who have shared that they experienced having a clear thought, followed by it becoming a reality. This may seem strange, or a little woo woo, but along with the power of your mind, if you are truly aligned in your thoughts, body, and spirit, amazing things can be created.
So, what is the difference between setting an intention and stating an affirmation? When you set an intention, you will think of what and how you would like some future event to be. Do your best not to let any negative thoughts or fears creep into your intention. Be mindful and stay focused on your intention successfully happening without much muss and fuss. The best way I can describe setting an intention is to put that thought out into the universe, and like letting go of a balloon, you let it fly up and away knowing that you set things in motion. In regards to an affirmation, it is similar to an intention, but I perceive it more as a statement or declaration that is long term in vision. An example of an affirmation that I use is: I am a genius and apply my wisdom in a unique way.
An intention can be an affirmation in a sense, but an intention can also be more specific and focused on a time sensitive issue. However, the main gist is that NOW is the time to manifest what your focused intent is on. For instance, is it better health and well-being? Is it to be more financially solvent? Is it to have a more harmonious relationship with your significant other or with family and friends? Ultimately you will want to set an intention where you feel there is a particular void that you want to fill or resolve. Get creative with your intent and take the time to sit and reflect on what is most important to you. This is where connecting with your body and getting in tune with the signs of your body can help.
One breathing exercise that I have taught in my past workshops is how to discover your YES and NO answer. Use this exercise to help you with setting an intention that is aligned with your highest values.
First get comfortable either seated or laying on your back. Take a few deep breaths in and out, then either say out loud or internally, “My name is ………….” See how your breath is – did it get deeper and fuller and more expansive? Did you get a sense of YES that is me? If so this is your YES answer. This exercise will not work if you do not particularly like or care for your name. So, if you like being called a nickname use that name and see how your breathing and body responds. Next say a name that is not yours and see how your breathing changes and how it feels. If perhaps, your breathing gets shorter or more restricted, then this is your NO answer. Once you know your YES and NO response, then ask yourself a YES or NO question and see how your breathing and body responds. If your breathing does not match exactly like your YES answer, then it is a NO. There is no maybe and no feeling “close” to a yes.
Once you get clear on your YES answer, then you can start focusing on what intent you want to set. For instance, my recent intent after my front desk assistant gave me notice that she took a new job, my intent was to find the perfect person that would take care of my members, be aligned with my vision and values, and to assist me in taking my practice to a new level of awareness and possible expansiveness. Once I made the intent internally, I felt calm and certain that this would come about. I didn’t know the exact timeline but was hopeful that it would be sooner rather than later. However, I was prepared to wait for the right person to come along and fortunately, it happened sooner rather than later.
I recommend first getting crystal clear on what you would like to see happen in your life, and with that in mind, set your intent with confidence and trust that everything will happen in the most positive way. Connecting with your body and dialing in to your intuition just enhances your ability to set an intention that has a greater likelihood to manifest. If you are ready to embrace change and create a new normal for yourself, well intentions will do you wonders.
