Fresh Vision for Intention Setting 2024
I was first introduced to the concept of intention setting with Dr. Dwayne Dyer’s book, “The Power of Intention” almost 20 years ago.
I was already a therapist, but at times still felt a little green—a little inexperienced—as I continued on my own path of personal insight and discovery.
I had been working in my field for about 7 years. I knew about limiting beliefs, self-defeating thoughts, the power that words held—whether spoken, written or thought.
I thought I understood emotions, thoughts and behaviors, but then I would get tripped up in my own personal life or a new client would walk through the door with a story I have never heard and I would have to figure out how to work differently to meet this client’s need.
One thing seemed very clear, I needed to be more mindful about the words I used with myself and others.
In my work with clients I noticed that one important component of a healthy childhood was the words and expressions the adults around or directed to a child. I also noticed, one of the most important components for healthy sense of self (including self-esteem) from our teenage years and beyond are the words we use about ourselves to ourself and others.
Reading Dr. Dyer's book was truly a lightbulb moment for me. Especially the following quote that was included in the book:
“We are already one and we imagine we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are”. ~Thomas Merton
At 30, I was still repeating unrealistic, sometimes untrue and mostly unhelpful narratives about who I was, what I was capable of, and what I deserved.
Some were from beliefs I observed as a child, some were confusing tenets from church, some were lingering thoughts of self-doubt and judgement that crept in during teen years, and some were from the not so healthy relationships I was maintaining in my life.
It struck me at that point; I was trying so hard to BECOME something different than I already was. I was fighting and suppressing my intuition to stay in step with peers and maintain peace in relationships. I was thinking; I have to better myself, build myself up, create a life like I saw or heard others “had”. I working on healing so I could become WHOLE.
But then I saw that passage. It all clicked. I didn’t have to become my best self. I already was.
The “thing” I was seeking was not only already inside me--it was ME. Whole and complete. Perfectly imperfect. I was already what I was searching for and working hard to become.
But for some reason I was thinking it needed to come from hard work and sacrifice. It needed different package, needed to look, and feel different. It needed to rise from the pain. I didn't have or achieve "it" yet.
The truth was that under the mud was indeed a golden buddha, we just need to be ready to pull back the gunk to reveal the light.
At that point, I just needed to allow my ego mind to step aside and let my spirit soar.
Simple but not easy.
All these years later, I feel like I am coming back full circle to the Power of Intention. Not just the book, but the meaning of those words.
This time around seeing it with fresh eyes.
We just had a New Moon in Capricorn, our first New Moon of 2024! Fresh starts, new beginnings.
Capricorn when balanced is about hard work, is pragmatic, and self-disciplined but when imbalanced over works, is impractical, unrealistic or idealistic, overly rigid, unforgiving, and emotionally detached.
So, what do we need to know about intention setting under this New Moon and beyond?
We have to make sure it is balanced with beauty, love, humor, empathy and compassion.
Create balance with our goals and intentions to not lose sight of the joy in the everyday.
Everyone is talking about old ways, order, and structures beginning to break down.
What if we allowed any of the unhelpful ways, order, and structures we hold for ourself and recreate over and over--fall?
What if we watch the thoughts, beliefs and narratives that keep us in our pain-- crumble away?
What if we started clearing away the mud and gunk—to reveal our inner golden self?
The old tried and true is actually, the old tried and tired.
And I know at the end of 2023….I was really tired.
What if this round of intention setting is with fresh eyes, fresh perspective, fresh vision?
What if instead of hoping and wishing for something we do not believe we have enough of in our life, we shifted that (lack and scarcity) or even let it crumble.
What if instead of following other's direction and suggestions; we honored our intuition? Setting an intuition to flow along the river of our soul’s purpose our soul path. An intention filled and fueled by beauty, love, humor, empathy and compassion.
An intention that truly reflected that we are already whole and complete.
Affirmations for Intention Setting with Fresh Vision:
I am open to seeing myself with fresh eyes.
I trust my intuition to light my path.
I trust my soul’s purpose is bigger than what I could possibly imagine.
I trust to be gently guided by the Universe to return to my soul’s path.
I am excited to co-create with all support my path. My guides, guardians, allies, In all form.
I give myself permission to create a life that is fully aligned with my path and purpose.
I ground myself with the nurturing power of Nature.
I am already enough, deserving of all kinds of abundance and prosperity.
I allow the old stories, narratives and beliefs to be released.
I commit to learning who I truly am and what I need from my soul’s nudges.
I will practice being mindful of my thoughts and words, including my self-talk
Today I will choose to be loving and compassionate and spread kindness.
Today my intention is to allow my brightest self to shine.
Wishing you amazing fresh starts and vision for your 2024,
Mary
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