3.09.2010

On Attention and Intention


I've been thinking a lot about the power of intention, and chatting about it with my new moon sisters. I've been pondering, too, the power of attention, and noticing where I'm putting mine. According to Deepak Chopra, "attention enlivens while intention transforms." So, if you want more or less of something, direct more or less attention to it. If you want to change something, or manifest something new, set an intention to do so.

I've been directing too much attention on fear lately, dwelling on worst-case scenarios for situations in my life and those of the ones I love. And my intentions have been kind of out of focus. So, with great compassion for myself, I'm working on these areas. I'm consciously shifting my attention back to love - the opposite of fear. And as I seek clarity for my intentions, they are jumping out at me, loudly and clearly, like they're so happy that I'm back in the moment!

Here's what you're supposed to do with your intentions once you're clear on them:
  1. Write them down. Then look at them a lot, like when you get up in the morning, before bed at night and moments in between (perhaps in the car pickup line, or while doing laundry).
  2. Surrender the outcome to nature, trusting it knows what is best for your highest self.
  3. Keep your attention on the present moment, which empowers and energizes your intentions. Accept the present as it is, then watch as your intentions become reality.

*The image above was taken at Disney's Animal Kingdom in the area designed to look like Nepal. I'm so in love with prayer flags and I took bunches of pictures of these.

4 comments:

Rose said...

I have been thinking and thinking about this. I wanted to come back here and say something deep and relevant, but I'm at a loss for words on the subject. I think I've said a lot about it lately. Just wanted to let you know that I really liked this post, and it was great food for thought. Looking forward to Monday.

Also, I love the new look of your blog. It's so nice and clean...

eringoodman said...

beautiful thoughts liz. such a great reminder.

love the new look of your blog!!!

~erin

ps ~ thank you so much for sharing the prayer flag photos. we are planning to visit animal kingdom next week and i will be on the look out for them!!!! :-)

Hannah said...

Just found you through Erin's site. I love this post. I work with intention and teach it to clients and love how simply you explained it. Thank you for such a beautiful offering to all of us.

Hannah said...

Just found you through Erin's site. I love this post. I work with intention and teach it to clients and love how simply you explained it. Thank you for such a beautiful offering to all of us.