May’s Memo: Targeting Your Intentions
“Clear intentions and clear purpose begets clear results.” – Pharrell Williams (Songwriter)
“Intention is the core of all conscious life. Conscious intention colors and moves everything.” – Master Hsing Yun (Chinese Buddhist Monk)
“You can manifest the life you truly want with clear intention, emotional intelligence and imagination…like it or not, your life is what you have chosen.” – Gregg Braden (Author)
“Step into your intention and be the person you want to be.”
This month’s 4-minute video at Chaco Canyon is about targeting your intentions – see it here!
Spring is such a luscious time to review and reaffirm intentions that serve as our compass or GPS as we navigate through our lives. I planted a garden for the first time in years last week, and I am amazed at how it has grounded me and helped to really clarify my business intentions. When I refer to intentions, I don’t mean the goals and tasks that make up a strategic plan, nor do I mean the objectives that usually are specific, measureable, attainable, recordable and time-sensitive (SMART). To me, the plans and SMART objectives are about “Doing“. In contrast, my definition of intention is about how I am “Being” with myself, in my relationships, in my business and in my garden! Intention is that directional essence that motivates me at a deep level and informs me how I can bloom into my full expression. Yes, I can spend my time focusing on the doing, by creating ‘to-do lists’ and checking off completed tasks. But if I do not set strong intentions on how I want to be behind those tasks, then these efforts will be unsustainable for me in the long run. Start any endeavor with a clear intention and you will achieve your desired results…whether it be in your garden, at work, or in other areas of your life.
Earlier this month I had the opportunity to visit Chaco Culture National Historical Park in northwestern New Mexico, and I delighted in the ancient architecture that those native people created there over 1200 years ago. Chaco Canyon has many abandoned and ruined cities, each with clusters of buildings partially standing today. Chaco was thought to be the center of a complex society that had extensive commerce ties to far, outlying areas. I wonder about the Chacoan people’s intentions to locate in this very dry, isolated area with few resources (both then and now), including the lack of trees to build their structures – eventually hauling trees from as far as 50 miles away. Click here to see the video.
To further explore intention, how do others define it? Simply put, intent is ‘to direct attention’ or ‘an aim or purpose’. Deepak Chopra states that intention ‘is the starting point of every dream. It is the creative power that fulfills all of our needs, whether for money, relationships, spiritual awakening, or love.‘
To me, intention is a guiding principle for how I want to be and show up in the world, with myself or others, during work, family time or play. Ask yourself, what are your intentions?
Perhaps you have clear intentions and are working them in your life…GREAT! All of us aren’t that fortunate though, it comes easier for some people than others. Here are some thought-starters to help you get clear with your intentions, as suggested by leadership and career coach Melissa Eisler:
* What matters most to you?
* What would you like to create or nurture in your life?
* What would you like to let go of?
* Who would you like to forgive in your life?
* What fears would you like to release?
* How do you feel when you are at your happiest?
* What makes you proud?
* What are you grateful for?
ASK YOURSELF:
Are you setting your intentions with deliberate thoughts?
Do you give yourself permission to expand your intentions beyond the boundaries of who you have been thus far?
How are you ‘being’ in contrast to ‘doing’?
In my nature-connected coaching work, I always recognize that my client’s commitment to realize their desired changes in life requires that they clarify their intentions that fuel their needs. Through my coaching practice, I create a partnership with my clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, helping to clarify their intentions and path forward.
I am grateful for you, your intentions toward being the best person you can be, and your desires to connect with nature!
Individualized Nature-connected Coaching sessions can provide the guidance and support for the changes you wish to make and maintain, tailored to your needs in either short-term (1-5 sessions) or longer-term ‘true change’ programs (minimum of 6 months or more, meeting every two weeks).
Are your interests sparked? Do you have questions? Let’s schedule our Awareness Break-through Session that will provide you crystal clarity on your challenges and commitment level to move forward. During the break-through session we can explore if we might be a good fit to work together.
Be well, wise, and connected to Nature!
Mindy Schlimgen
Certified Nature-connected Life Coach, Outdoor Enthusiast & Naturalist
www.awarenesswithnature.com
TESTIMONIALS
“Mindy’s presence, skillful guidance, and awareness allowed me to fully immerse myself in nature while receiving a transformational experience that brought forth a deep meaningful metaphor in my life. Her patience and willingness to give it her all while holding a beautiful container helped me receive what I was looking for.“
– Peter Blau, Bend, Oregon
“The coaching session I had with Mindy Schlimgen was transformational. She helped me discover a much healthier approach to addressing a decades-old problem that has caused me much suffering. Not only did I feel vastly better, but others commented on how much calmer I had become.”
– Debra Efroymson, Dhaka, Bangladesh
