Intention vs Resolution

Intention. a thing intended; an aim or plan. This is it! The magic word that will shift our brains from the old (and very unmagical) word: resolution. The word aim makes me think of the tail of a shooting star that’s cruising up into the night sky with a big bright ball of achievement at the end of it.

Resolution. a firm decision to do or not to do something. Every single time we hear this word, no matter the context, our thoughts immediately go straight to a place where we promised ourselves that at least one thing was going to change at the beginning of the year. Am I right? And almost always, our thoughts continue to carry the weight of how it didn’t last as long as we wanted it to. Yuck! A resolution that fails makes the intention behind it less omnipotent and more, well, impotent.

So why does it have to be a resolution? Resolutions encourage our minds to stay in the past or in the future. What we didn’t do or what we are supposed to do. A resolution is limiting in the sense that you are only going to do this one thing that you have declared in your mind. I have read that resolutions are governed by our minds, and anything governed by the mind doesn’t really have many consequences. Consider this for a minute.

A Soul’s Intention

Sankalpa (the sanskrit word for intention) is created for the sole purpose to expand your soul. When you set a true intention you don’t have to worry about your actions because a virtuous intention has the ability to create a virtuous action. Your entire being desires this intention, therefore, it lies in every cell inside your body. That energy is powerful and exudes out of your pores and into the universal energy field. From here we find ourselves wrapped inside the Law of Attraction. You know what I mean?

Lean Into Life

There are times when we need to jump into life, but there are other times where we just need to lean into it. Intentions, I believe, need time to marinate, much like the fragrant spices in a sauce created for a very special dish. If you are someone who likes to jump, then jump into a strong intention! Next, gently lean into the intention while you feel your soul warming up and absorbing all the juicy, bubbly, sizzling aroma it has to offer. That way, you will wake up every day to the smell of a beautiful intention that is present with you in every move you make. Who needs perfume?

What It Looks Like

I intend to love myself every day. Build confidence and watch yourself change from the inside out.

• being kind when speaking about yourself
• eating foods that fuel your body with energy
• taking time for yourself (walking, yoga, bath, reading, coffee with a friend)
• writing down positive affirmations

I intend to live in gratitude for all that surrounds me. Being thankful softens your heart and allows doors to open all around you.

• Noticing the beauty you have created inside your abode.
• Appreciating the beautiful shapes of trees that emit oxygen and sustain life
• Noticing the smiling face of a grandma pushing her cart past yours at the supermarket
• Reflecting that when your spouse sees that you are tired, they clean up dinner this time
• Being thankful that you have warm water at your disposal to take that much-needed bath

I intend to remain open to change and receptive to opportunities for meaningful contribution in the world. Staying open and receptive offers miracles to come to fruition.

• Remain open to changes at work even if you don’t agree because you never know how one little piece of the change may detour to an even better place that you had never imagined
• Listen to others respectful opinions even if you don’t agree. They have the potential to open your heart to the beauty of contrast
• Go to that fundraiser for a good cause even if you are tired, because you never know who you will meet, what you will be inspired by, or how it can change your perspective

Reap ALL the Benefits

Set your intention and see how many more actions will fall into place than just the one that lies in a resolution. For example, if you love yourself, even more, you will show that love to yourself by taking care of the vessel that carries your soul. AKA, being healthy on all levels! In other words, drop the resolution of working out every day and add the intention of loving yourself more. You will see so many more benefits!

A new year, a new month, a new week, or a new day; it’s never too late.