Intent | by Madisyn Taylor We tend to associate the energy of intent with complicated or profoundly meaningful actions that require our full attention and effort in order to succeed. For example, walking a tightrope, taking a test, and taking a vow are all tasks that call us to be fully present and single-minded. However, intent can also be applied to everyday events, like eating breakfast or going to work. In fact, everything we do benefits from the presence of intent, which has the power to transform seemingly mundane tasks into profound experiences. You only have to try it to find out. Intent is one of the cornerstones of the Zen tradition of Buddhism in which monks work for years to develop the stillness and sharpness of mind to do only one thing at a time. Most of the time we are doing one thing and thinking of something else, or even doing three things at the same time, such as talking on the phone, doing dishes, and boiling water for tea. There is nothing inherently wrong with multitasking, which seems necessary at times, especially in the midst of family life. However, balancing this with a healthy dose of intentional activity can provide valuable insight into the benefits of doing one thing at a time, being fully present with whatever the task at hand happens to be. From the moment we wake up, we can apply intent to our situation by simply saying to ourselves, "I am aware that I am now awake." We can use this simple tool throughout our day, saying, "I am aware that I am driving to work." "I am aware that I am making dinner." Or even, "I am aware that I am breathing." As we acknowledge what we are doing in these moments, we come alive to our bodies and to the world, owning our actions instead of habitually performing them. We may realize how often we act without intention and how this disengages us from reality. Applying the energy of intent to even one task a day has the power to transform our lives. Just imagine what would happen if we were able to apply that power to our entire day. | DailyOM Course Spotlight by Dan Millman Most of us go about our daily activities without much attention towards the subtle and simple pleasures of life. The experiences that captivate our senses and stand out to us are usually more dramatic as we as a society have collectively come to expect flashiness and grandeur. We want to be wowed, but are less easily impressed with each passing day. What would it feel like to awaken each morning grateful simply for the gift of a new day -- the ability to move your body, see a palette of colors and shapes, enjoy aromas, taste an array of food, feel the pleasure of touch, play with the material world, and bathe in the currents of passing time? This course teaches a brief yet powerful meditation practice to instill a profound appreciation for the life you were given on planet Earth -- something most of us take for granted. By the end of the course, not only will you have memorized this meditation, you'll also have gained a deep understanding of its benefits. This understanding will evolve into realization and revelation over time, with practice. Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. Overcoming Self-Sabotage 2. 21 Day Total Goddess Workout 3. The Art of Intuitive Tarot 4. Overcoming Body Stiffness 5. Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength and Mobility 6. Reinventing The Body, Resurrecting the Soul 7. Fit and Fierce Over 40 8. 21 Day Plant-Based Plan for a Lighter, Happier YOU! 9. HIIT Yoga Fusion 10. Be Free from Unhealthy Relationships
> More Courses
|
| | | | | | | © 2016 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission. |
| |
Subscribed as c8b3bc361a[at]newslettercollector.com (1067693) [1]