Intention without action is simply daydreaming or wishful thinking …
Every act we perform, consciously or not, has behind it an intention. Intentions are words and feelings, and like a compass they guide our actions/behaviour to our goals for the day. Intentions are the ‘WHATs’: What should I do/eat/buy today? Motives are the ‘WHYs’ behind the intention. They drive and motivate us and give meaning and purpose to our choices. Having intentions is like going to a supermarket with a list so that we are less likely to be distracted, and can stay focussed and efficient. However, should we be distracted, then intentions work like a GPS that can reroute and guide us to our destination.
Studies in psychology show that intentions are powerful thoughts and feelings. Whatever clear intention we have, sooner or later we will verbalise it. Those words will reveal our attitude and impact our behaviour. For example: a simple intention – “I want to rest all day today” will reflect our attitude for the day and impact our behaviour.
We may try to cloak our intentions, but our words, attitude, and behaviour will reveal them. No matter how polite and logical a salesperson may be, if he is driven by a desperate intention to make a sale at any cost, that intention will be felt and his attitude will make us uncomfortable; we would defend ourselves, confront him, or walk away with a polite thank you.
The impact of intentions on our brain: Today science speaks of the neuro-plasticity of the brain; that is, its ability to adjust and adapt to new learning at any age. If we have an intention to learn to meditate to become more peaceful and less reactive, the brain will attract ‘natural attention’ and bring awareness to us in our situations. A new calm attitude will gradually impact our behaviour.
Setting powerful intentions: Journalling our thoughts and emotions daily without self-judgement can bring clarity and a sense of liberation. Vision boards in cut-out images bring a three-dimensional feeling to our intentions. Positive affirmations such as “I am beautiful…, healthy…, healed…”, with visualisations using our five senses can actualise our intentions.
The power of our mind can access unlimited resources. Whatever we visualise can be actualised. A positive or negative intention is a deliberate effort and the manifestation is simply the result. The question then arises, if I can actualise anything that I intend, then what is the role of fate or destiny?
Man proposes and God disposes, goes the saying. Although our mind has the power to attract and accomplish what we want, there are forces beyond our control that come into play and must be respected. For example, we want a perfect holiday, but a natural calamity such as an earthquake or flood may not allow it. Or, we build a dream home for our family, only to lose it months later due to a natural disaster. That is fate or destiny at play.
The next question that arises is, if we are that powerful and can realise our deepest intentions, then what is the role of God, the universe, and divine powers? Manifestation of our intentions through spiritual faith is to invite God or the universe to be the co-creator in our life. Faith and surrender to God influence the outcome. Therefore, there is more likely to be acceptance of the outcome, with the understanding that the universe is offering us something better. This mental state brings humility, the feeling of being blessed, and resilience in our efforts.
What then, is the art of meditation? Meditation follows the same principles as the above. It begins with a positive intention, followed by high-vibration words and affirmations with visualisation to transform the self into a better and calmer person than you are now.
Here is the magic recipe: Your intention is like a magic wand that you point at the universe to seek its assistance and blessings as a co-creator to realise your desires, while respecting and being in awe of the laws of nature.
Meelu G Wadhwani is a teacher of Rajyoga, based in Dubai, and the founder of www.abundance365.net
