"Intents aren't merely goals. They come from the soul, from somewhere deep inside us where we get clarity on our heartfelt desires for happiness, acceptance, health, and love. By thinking about our intents, cultivating and expressing them, we create the climate in which they're more likely to happen. But intents also need to be nurtured, to be given time to come to fruition. And at the right time in our lives we need to take action and make an effort to encourage and foster their fulfillment.
"The notion of intent goes back millennia. Wisdom traditions from around the world talk about intent as the driving force of creation, and the concept plays a significant role in a number of religious creeds, including Hinduism and Buddhism. Intention in Sanskrit is Samkalpa, or an idea formed in the mind or heart. 'Right intention' is the second element of the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, the teachings that describe the way to end personal suffering and achieve enlightenment. Right intention says essentially: treat yourself and others with kindness and compassion while living in alignment with your deepest values.
"In the Buddhist tradition, intention is about living each moment with integrity and in keeping with what matters most to you. Buddhists believe that by carrying your intentions with you moment to moment and trying to live in accord with your deepest values, you are more likely to set wise goals – and do the necessary work to achieve them.
"The Hebrew word kavanah describes the total awareness and attention you should strive to bring to every moment of your life; it's a way of giving meaning to your actions. For instance, prayer without kavanah, or intention, is little more than meaningless words. Even Christian prayer in which you ask God for what you want can be thought of as a form of intention. . . .
"What would you like to change? What parts of your life aren't working? What's missing? By considering these questions, you can uncover the seeds of your deepest longings. What small changes can you make to feel more rested, happier, more connected, more inspired? Embracing small personal changes can be the first step toward creating greater change in the world, and humanity at large."
