Live and Love with Intention
There is an emerging focus on mindfulness in our culture. It has psychological, spiritual, social, and physical implications. Jon Kabat Zinn defines mindfulness as “Paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Essentially mindfulness is choosing to live with awareness and intention. Awareness and intention are huge. They are the first step in the change process.
Are there areas of your life you want to live differently?
Are there things keeping you stuck, or keeping your relationships stuck?
Does something keep you from appreciating the good things you do have?
We are inclined to act and live the same as we have experienced before. Often I work with parents who say something like, “I hope my kids don’t go through the same thing I did, I want better for them.” Or a couple says, “We don’t want to fight the way our parents did”.
It is tough to give your kids, or your relationship, something you haven’t experienced for yourself. Even when we try not to repeat history, unconsciously we can end up re-creating relational dynamics from the past and consequently experiencing that which we were trying to avoid. That may sound a little dim but keep reading!
The good news is: You can choose to live differently. You can engage life more fully. You can love with intention.
When we choose to be aware we peel away defenses and judgments and see things as they are. When we see things as they are we can more freely choose to engage life in a new way. We can choose and pursue the life we want for ourselves, our relationships, and for our children. As we live with intention we choose to create a healthier, more fulfilling future.
Choose to be aware.
Engage life with open eyes.
Live and love with intention.