Being Present

“Intentions are the primary or underlying motivations for what we think, say or do.” Gil Fronsdal

Setting an intention solidifies exactly what we would like to have happen. It might be an overarching life desire such as intending to be happy, successful, or wealthy. Or it can be something simple such as wanting to listen rather than talk during a meeting.

Establishing intention leads us to set goals that take us along the path we have chosen. If we believe that meditation can benefit our life, and we want it to be part of our life we set an intention to establish a regular meditation practice. Then we can set a goal of finding a guided meditation or teacher that works well for us. We can set a goal of getting up 15 minutes early every day to meditate. We might set the goal of meditating for 15 minutes during the lunch break every day. And so on.

The major difference between a goal and intention, from my perspective, is that with goals we can fail and often quit when we don’t meet the goal. With intentions, we keep traveling. When we miss our goals the critical self-judgment part of us comes alive and derails us. With intention, we find more kindness and compassion and can reassure ourselves that “if not his time, then next.”

I set an intention as a young woman to have regular and sustainable meditation as a part of my life. I did not set goals. I knew I wanted meditation, but I wasn’t sure what it would eventually look like. I spent many years exploring different types of meditation and contemplative practice as they came into my life through a friend or a reading (there was no internet back then). I tried many types of meditation and continued to do so until I found mindfulness meditation. This discovery resulted in my meeting my intention.

Using intentions in smaller ways is also very useful. Setting an intention for each practice keeps us on track. For instance, we intend to listen to sounds as the object for the day’s practice. Then we know where to refocus attention when the mind wanders. Setting an intention for the full day such as engaging in mindful eating at all meals, and maybe setting reminders on the table. We can become more discerning with our intentions such as noticing the intention to swallow while noticing breath sensations. Some practitioners set longer-lasting intentions that are temporary. For instance, practicing loving kindness for a few minutes during every sitting practice for a year.

Intentions are necessary to know what path we are on. They provide a flexible path to meet our motivations and wishes for what we desire. Without an intention, we wander. With intention, we wander in a specific direction. Goals aid us to move closer to our intention and provide the road map. Both are essential. However, it is necessary to set intentions before we establish goals.