How to: Create Intentions
I am all about infusing my life with rituals that allow me to be more intentional and present. One of my favourite rituals is journaling. I journal every morning and this time is sacred for me. It allows me the space to sort through what is in my head and heart and decide how I want to step into the new day. I also have a ritual of journaling during important cycles - each month, during an important event, the new year… These journaling sessions often encompass two main components: reflecting and intention setting.
What does this actually mean? Although the act of this process can be quite simple and intuitive, it can be challenging to get started. I wanted to create a mini guide on what this process is, and how to go about creating your own intentions.
Reflecting allows you to be more present in your life. Instead of simply moving through life, reflecting allows you to understand and integrate all you are moving through. Because life is a lot and we need the space to process it all.
Setting intentions can be seen as a type of goal setting. However, to me, goals can feel more controlling and overwhelming. They can also create expectations and pressure. Intentions are gentler. They offer a way of speaking into the universe that which you hope to embody and embrace.
Reflecting is a way of clearing out the old, keeping what serves, and then intention setting allows you to step into the next chapter. While this doesn’t have to be done through journaling, you may be surprised what comes out when you put pen to paper and allow yourself to write freely, openly and honestly.
I love guiding clients through practices that allow them to deeply reflect and create clear intentions. This can be done in many different ways. Some of the simplest tools are meditating and/or journaling. I often combine the two practices, sometimes meditating first, other times journaling first. Here are some questions that you can take with you into your ritual. These are geared towards a monthly reflection but can be altered to suit any situation.
When I think back on this month, what are themes that come to mind?
What emotions did I feel this month?
What lessons did I learn?
What am I most proud of myself for? What was most challenging for me?
How do I want to feel in the next few weeks? What is the energy I would like to embody?
If I had to pick three words for this upcoming month, what would they be? What do these words mean to me?
For me, the process of picking words is essential for intention setting. It gives me something to focus on and come back to as time goes on. From these three words, you can then create a short phrase or mantra that you hold close to you and repeat throughout the month, or for however long it feels right. For example your intention can read:
“It is safe for me to rest.” “I am moving through life with confidence and ease.” “I am capable of handling whatever life throws at me.”
These are just some examples. Your mantra can be anything that feels good for you! Some sources emphasise starting with an “I am” statement in order to truly embody and act “as if” what you desire is already yours; but I find my mantras are impactful regardless of how I phrase them. I recommend writing down your mantra and putting it somewhere you will see everyday. You could get crafty with it and make it decorative, or simply write it on your notes app in your phone.
The power of reflecting and intention setting can be magical. We deserve to take this time and space for ourselves. Our life can become so much richer when we embrace all it has to offer; when we are present with our growth and embody our future.
