Day 3: Practice Intention-Setting

Did you follow through on the one intention you set yesterday? Don't worry about whether you did or you didn't - it's interesting information, but, after all, this week is all about setting intentions. Next week we will tackle taking action on your intentions.

Take out your journal now and set a couple of intentions for today:

• Think about your day ahead, how you want to be in the world, and the priorities you want to act on.

• 

  Late Summer Garden (unfinished)

  Using the action + deepest reason model, write at least two intentions for today. Examples:

-I intend to allow myself to feel happy about how this day is going, so my positive energy will affect the energy of the world.

-I intend to go out to the studio and maybe I'll just sit and look at my painting, but being in the studio is a reminder to myself that I am still an artist.

-I intend to be a good listener and ask thoughtful questions that might spur growth, (in others or in myself), because listening is my growing edge and a leadership skill I need to develop, and because listening builds trust and paves the way for transformation.

Extra Effort: This is an optional project. If it sounds fun or useful, today you can practice setting intentions on the fly, all throughout the day:

• Whenever you think of it today, stop and set an intention, using the action + deepest reason model. Turn this into an all-day meditation, or use an intention to mark any transition, or to refocus when you feel strong emotion or resistance to a project. See how many times you can remember to pause and set an intention.

• You can write the intention out, or simply say it to yourself, speaking it out loud if possible. Examples:

-I intend to make myself a lunch that includes vegetables so I'll stay strong and healthy, and be able to accomplish my dreams.

-I intend to apologize for that sharp retort because I love my spouse and don't want to hurt him.

-I intend to get up out of this comfortable chair and do just a little housecleaning, because my home is a sanctuary for my family and myself, and a clean home allows us all to rest and recover in peace.