Day 1 - Living with Purpose - Setting an Intention

5 minute Setting an Intention Meditation

It was a bit of a toss-up between starting with the traditional mindfulness breathing practice and this one; setting an intention. But I thought this meditation would bring a certain sense of mindfulness, thoughtfulness and insight into the week to follow.

Usually our days follow a familiar pattern. We wake up in the morning, you might make coffee, jump into the shower. Your social media goes "ping" and before you know it, you’re in full flight. The day takes off and you’re crossing loads of things off your to-do list. Within the blink of an eye the rest of the day is gone.

If you sit back and review your day, did it include what is most meaningful, important, inspiring to you? Did it include activities which reflect your values, ideals, principles? Do you know what such a day would look like? Would your day look the same?

Taking out 5 minutes to set an intention gives us the opportunity to “tune in”. To remember what direction we should be taking, what reflects our core principles, which actions or activities align with our values. We’re less likely to lose touch with what matters most to us if we set an intention for our day. Perhaps you'd like to set an intention for today's - or this week's - meditation? What do you hope the meditation will bring out? How would meditation help align your action with your values? Big questions. But perhaps have a think about that.

Why do we bother with setting intentions? Because living more intentionally - with purpose rather than flying through our day s on autopilot - not only means you have the opportunity to check you’re on track. Living with intention also generates a strong core, a calm centre. With a calm mind and inner peace we can generate emotional ‘muscle’. The resilience we need to show up in the world with very best we have to offer.

We’re not only on this mindfulness journey for relaxation or self improvement. Sure, mindfulness makes us feel great. But the core qualities: (Non-judging; Acceptance; Patience; Beginner's mind; Trust; Non Striving; Letting Go; Gratitude; Generosity or Compassion) is also something we practice for the benefit of others.

We could practice being more patient or generous with those around us. Or it could be something simple like deciding to smile more or be more relaxed in our social interactions. Perhaps we can practice gratitude for the small things: savouring the taste of coffee, appreciating family or sitting in the garden,

We all have 5 minutes in our day to think about what it means to live with more purpose, being more intentional, more conscious, deliberate, mindful.