Conscious Intentions

Recently, I was reminded by a friend about the power of intention. She said, “All of what exists in our reality began with an intention.” I pondered this for a moment, then asked, “You mean I intended to be irritated by my kids having a shouting match over who should get into the car first this morning?” "Yes." she assured me.

She went on to explain that there are two types of intention:
1. conscious intention where we consciously choose how we intend to feel, and
2. unconscious intention – where some belief in our subconscious mind chooses for us.

In the absence of us consciously choosing our intentions, unconscious intentions fill in by default. But there is always an intention, whether you are aware of it or not.

I began to ponder this and realized that very recently I put the power of conscious intention to play. A couple weeks ago, I was invited to a party at a friend’s house. The week had been busy, my girls had been a handful, and come the day of the party, I did not feel like going. I just wanted to curl up in a blanket, read, and go to bed early.

But a promise is a promise, so I went. In the car I began thinking things like, “I hope this is over quick.” “Maybe I can make some excuse to leave early.” Then I stopped myself and realized I was setting myself up for a lousy time. How crazy was that? I decided since I made the decision to go to this party, I might as well make the decision to enjoy myself. So I sat up straight in the car and said out loud with conviction, “I intend to have a good time tonight. May I reap all of the joy that there is to be had in this evening, no matter what!”

There, that felt better. A word of caution: Look around before you do conscious intentions in your car. The teenagers in the car next to me were looking at me like I was crazy-talking-to-herself lady. Oh well. Probably not the first time that’s happened.

So, the party was great. I had the best time. Fantastic conversations with wonderful people flowed as did good wine. It was divine just as I had intended it to be.

And this morning, I said again with conscious conviction, “I intend to have a great morning with my kids no matter what!” And I did. I also realize my default unconscious intention is “I will enjoy mornings with my kids if they act they way I want them to.” No wonder I was creating irritation and frustration. I set myself up for it by default. Makes you wonder how often that happens in all facets of our day. Ever go into a meeting dreading it? Ever make your happiness reliant on external events? That’s unconscious intention at work.

Dare yourself to try playing with this conscious intention. Think of it as if you are playing a game of cards: conscious intention trumps unconscious intention. And you always got that trump card to play. You just got to remember to use it.

Now I have to go consciously intend to have lunch with George Clooney. I know, unconsciously I am setting myself up for heartache, but a girl can always dream! :)

And that’s my perspective…