Setting an Intention

Simplicity is the antidote to complexity. In light of the experience of anxiety, depression and racing thoughts, simplicity helps the mind to gain clarity and settle down.  A mistake that can be made while setting an intention is the assumption that you won’t be met with challenges. As is shown in the tai ji symbol, challenges are unavoidable.

The tai ji symbol (yin/yang symbol) shows us the law of nature where there is a balance of opposites. Where there is change, there is stability, where there is day, there is night, etc. The curved line in the middle shows that these opposites exist in relation to each other. The white circle within the black and the black circle within the white signifies that these opposites cannot be separated. When the balance becomes shifted towards one end there is imbalance and the light becomes the dark and visa versa. In this example the idea of complexity can be a trigger towards balance through change.

Setting an intention allows us the ability to be in a world of change and complexity while reacting with clarity instead of delusion. Setting an intention can be a daily practice that allows you deal with difficult emotions, cutting through the experience of anxiety, depression and racing thoughts.

The practice of setting an intention can be applied using your own existing spiritual practices or can be applied using pragmatic practices. From prayer and chanting a mantra to creating a list of mindsets or tasks you would like to accomplish, setting an intention can be used as the foundation to your outlook and your day. 

For a pragmatic approach, try this:

In the morning, write down 3 things you would like to do today. Above those things, write down one of your positive qualities. Try to abide by your positive quality as you fulfill your daily goals. This way you have acknowledged yourself with compassion while achieving your goals.

For a spiritual approach:

In the morning, reach for a favorite spiritual book and read a passage from it. Meditate then contemplate this passage. Consider the words you have read throughout the day. End the day by rereading this passage, meditate and contemplate.

It sounds very simple, but of course that’s the point; to bring you into balance, back to your true center.