What is “Intention” and why does it matter? (Hint: It’s a universe thing.)
The Mindfulness Talk:
This past Monday, I was…off. Let me rephrase that. This past Monday, it took me half a day to realize that I was off. I didn’t say anything unusual or do anything different, but the people around me were subtly reacting to my off-ness with their own off-ness. And these subtle interactions continued until I started noticing myself getting tense. That’s when I realized that I was off. Let me rephrase that. I started wondering what the heck was wrong with people today, and then I went on a quick walk, and that’s when I realized it was me that was a bit off.
I didn’t say anything unusual or do anything different, but my intention was different. Karma would say, “bingo!” I wasn’t intending anything bad towards anyone on Monday, but I had a bit of a negative experience over the weekend and that bit of negativity had stuck to me like a staticky sock. It was there when I had all of my normal interactions on Monday, and it shifted my intention ever so slightly. And that was all it took. My people subtly reflected my subtle off-ness. If asked, they would probably have said they didn’t notice anything different and probably didn’t feel any different. But their soul felt the vibes of my soul. Intention.
After realizing what this “off-ness” was all about, I immediately felt guilty. But of course, guilt is just another staticky sock that subtly colors your intention. Well, crap.
Meditation and mindfulness can release negative intention. But there are other ways as well. You can counter that unconscious negative intention with conscious positive intention. As you go through the normal routine of your day, you can consciously send out positive vibes through little prayers or thoughts.
Intention matters. If your words and actions are well thought out but you have a bit of static negativity, don’t be surprised if some “offness” results. On the other hand, even if you bumble your words or mess up your actions, if your intention was clean and clear of negativity than you have done the karma proud.
The best us humans can do is to try and stay aware of our intentions, and to understand that our intentions ripple out into the universe.
The Meditations:
Finding Present Meditation for becoming aware: Maybe you are walking or maybe you are sitting. Become aware of your feet. Maybe take a moment to lift them up one at a time. Notice if they feel cool or warm. Notice if they are feeling tense or relaxed. Notice if they are feeling tired or sore, or relaxed.
Become aware of your hands. Maybe take a moment to move them. Notice if they feel cool or warm. Notice if they are feeling tense or relaxed. Notice if they are feeling sensitive anywhere. Just notice.
Become aware of your breath. Notice if it feels cool or warm. Notice how your breath fills your nose. Notice how your breath fills your head. Just notice.
Continue doing this awareness meditation, or move on to the mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation for becoming aware of (and releasing) negative intention: Think back to your first few waking minutes. Recall how your body felt and what thoughts entered your mind. Just think back with curiosity. If you become aware of some negative energy, just keep noticing the negative energy with curiosity until it fades away.
Think back to your first morning hour. Recall how your body felt and what thoughts entered your mind. Just think back with curiosity. If you become aware of some negative energy, just keep noticing the negative energy with curiosity until it fades away.
Slowly think back through the rest of your day so far. Recall how your body felt and what thoughts entered your mind. Just think back with curiosity. If you become aware of some negative energy, just keep noticing the negative energy with curiosity until it fades away.
Closing Routine: When you are ready, rub fingers together and take three cleansing breaths. Or use any closing routine that works for you.