Dear John,

Start your New Year with intention and purpose.

Life right now is distracting, chaotic and painful for many of us. So, more than ever, it can be helpful to set intentions to guide our actions. A clear intention can remind us of our heart's deepest, wisest, most important values, which we can tune into throughout our life.

When we’re led by a long-term intention, also called a vow or dedication, everything begins to move in the direction of that intention. For example, if our intention is to be kind to ourselves and others, every nerve and fibre in our being will orient itself toward the fulfilment of this resolve.

We can also work with short-term intentions. For example, in the midst of a challenge, we can take a breath and quiet ourselves. Inwardly we could ask, "What is my best intention? What is my deepest intention in this situation?” The tone we use or what we say next changes in the moment that we get in touch with our heart.
 
Jack Kornfield says beautifully: "No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we can always set our compass to the highest intentions in the present moment.”

At the start of this New Year you may wish to take a moment to sit and reflect on the question: "What is my long-term intention for this year?"

I wish everyone a year full of kindness, during which we find our way back over and over again to the values of our hearts.

With love,
Esther