How did I get here?

Have you ever sat down at the computer or pulled out your phone for a quick little chore, say confirming a meeting time, and before you know it 15 windows are open and an hour has passed? You shake yourself and wonder- what am I doing? As you close the windows one by one you see the crooked path that brought you to this moment: watching cats try to fit into boxes, updating your car insurance, buying shoes, learning the 10 reasons people have trouble sleeping. Finally you arrive where you intended to be…my meeting is at 3:00. I can close all these other windows and get back to my life. This is the power of intention-- to help us navigate the river of distractions and arrive on the other side with what we really want and need. Having a clear intention defends us against the metaphorical click-bate and pop-up-adds of life.

As you read this, I encourage you to ask yourself “what is my intention for today?” Maybe you already know that after you finish reading the paper you plan to weed the garden. But if an intention doesn’t come to mind quickly, take a moment to consider- what one thing would I most like to get out of this day? The intention you create does not have to be something from your to-do list; I often set intentions like “spend time with my son” or “enjoy the spring weather.” Sometimes I regret not having finished a piece of work on time, but the true heartbreak comes when I realize it is my son’s bedtime and I missed my chance to spend time with him. Some intentions are not actions at all – “remember to be grateful for the gifts of life” or “practice patience” are intentions that can follow you throughout your day. When I can’t think of something I really want or need I’ll often set “listen for the spirit” as my intention.

Later today, if that sudden panic hits “isn’t there something I was supposed to be doing?” your intention reminds you whether it’s time to turn off the cat videos and finish balancing your checkbook, or perhaps it’s time to stop balancing your checkbook and go blow bubbles with your grandchildren… as you intended all along. It’s a simple way of making sure the life you live is devoted to things you truly care about.