There are several synonyms for the word “intention”: plan, aim, objective, design, purpose, goal, resolve, and determine. In my last talk and article about “joy” I raised the question, “Why do you want to live or live for? Another relevant question is: Do you believe life serves a purpose? and, if so, what is it? Many people don’t give this much thought until much later in life, and then before you know it, you’re running out of time. Of course, it’s not too late, but…
If you believe life doesn’t serve any particular purpose, your life may be much simpler. If you think you have one time around on the merry-go-round and then “lights out”, the simple reasoning would be to make the most of whatever time you have left in your human life. And even if you believe life does serve purpose, this is still a pretty good idea.
I propose there is also a strong rationale for living a virtuous life (loving, kind, compassionate, etc.) because you reap what you sow. This is not just a religious or spiritual maxim; it is a scientific truth. Quantum physics has determined that you create your reality with your every thought, feeling, emotion, action, and intention. All you see in your world is a mirror or reflection of yourself.
How do you see the world? What is your intention for it? For you?
Lynn Mctaggart has studied, researched, and written about the power of intention extensively. Her clear conclusion is that thought and intention are a tangible energy. Thought is a thing that affects other things. She implores us to pay attention to our thoughts and intentions – for they create our life circumstances.
My own study, research, and practice firmly support the power of the mind or mind over matter. You can use your thoughts intentionally, through any number of “deliberate intention” techniques such as hypnosis, guided imagery, prayer, affirmations, etc., as a very powerful way to take back control of your life. You can read much more about this in my books, Doctor’s Orders: Go Fishing and Why Love Heals.
As I reflect now about this time of year: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year, I find it a time to be grateful for all our bounty, family, and friends. It’s also a time to celebrate the birth of a great teacher who came to remind us of the power we have to create a life of greater harmony. It’s a time to look forward and create resolutions for what we want in the new year.
What do you want? What do you intend?
As I’m writing this, I intuitively hear the song, “My Grown-Up Christmas List”
No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
Everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
This is my grown-up Christmas list.
(Lyrics by Linda Thompson)
This past week I also read a quote by the Dalai Lama, “The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” I would love for you to sit down now and consider your life purpose. What do you choose to create? Take your time and visualize it. Use your imagination, intention, resolution, and determination to create the life of your dreams. I pray you fulfill your life purpose perfectly.
