How often do you start your day with a clear intention for how you want to navigate it? Many of us have developed the habit of rolling out of bed and going into "autopilot," reaching for that morning cup of coffee, scrolling through social media, and simply doing what needs to be done. Living without intention can lead to feelings of disconnection from yourself, as well as a loss of passion and purpose. You may avoid your own needs and feel stressed, depressed, bored, or overwhelmed.
Setting a morning intention helps you break free from habitual living and creates new neural pathways in your brain. Think of it as a RESET for your mind. Intention setting simply requires taking a moment to pause and clarify what you truly want and how you want to feel throughout the day.
An intention is a strong feeling, energy, or commitment to yourself that aligns with your values or goals and leads to action. It often reflects your personal "why" behind how you want to act, behave, or pursue a specific goal. Intentions provide a foundation that guides your actions and behaviors, allowing you to live the joyful life you desire. For example, if your intention is to live a more spiritually connected life, this might lead you to sign up for a daily meditation program.
All it takes is a moment to pause, get still, and reflect on what you want for the day, how you'd like to BE, and the energy you want to exude and receive.
To get started, consider the following questions:
Your intentions might change daily, or you may choose to focus on one intention for an extended period.
Once you’ve set an intention, reflect on why it’s important. What larger goal, value, or desire does it relate to? This helps connect your intention to a greater purpose and better integrate it into your body, brain, and heart.
Here are some examples of intentions to consider:
Begin your statement with: "Today, I intend to..." or "Today, I choose..."
It's natural to get distracted from your intentions, especially in the beginning. Developing new habits takes time, persistence, reminders, and practice. Remember, you don’t need to have a detailed action plan to set an intention; trust that a clear intention will lead to actions aligned with it.
It may be helpful to write down your intention and place it somewhere visible (like a mirror, laptop, or fridge) as a reminder. Closing your eyes and visualizing yourself living in alignment with your intention is a powerful way to embody it. At the end of the day, reflect (without judgment) on whether you upheld your intention. Journaling about ways to improve next time can aid in developing this new healthy habit.
Happy intention setting!
Natasha
