Intention

This word will forever remind me of The Pretenders song, "Brass in Pocket". I began listening to this song in junior high school, upon the recommendation from my very hip algebra teacher. The lyrics read, "I am gonna use it...intention, I feel inventive. Gonna make you, make you, make you notice." 

From a more superficial perspective, this is a song about getting attention and validation from the world. Going a little bit deeper, it's about embracing one's originality and special gift that one has to offer the world, and it all starts with this intention. The Sanskrit word for this is sankalpa, or a desire born of the heart, existing in harmony with our real Self. Another translation is "the one that must be followed without exception above all else". Today I've been thinking back on my emotionally supercharged time in Krabi, where my thoughts were running amok and all that seemed tangible was the devotion to my intention of getting out and envisioning happier times ahead. During that time, I rededicated myself to a practice of stream of consciousness journaling and also writing down my intentions for how I wanted to see my future unfold as a thriving being. 

Looking back now, I've realized that every intention I created and held on to during that time has already come to pass: I've come to Chiang Mai and I'm happily settled in, I made a visit to Pai to see what the buzz was about, I've just come back from an eye-opening adventure in Laos, in a mere 28 days I will be heading home to be reunited with my family for the holidays, and then I'll resume life in beautiful Portland as a yoga instructor and spend some long overdue time with my Love, dear friends and fellow yoga instructors. What a fruitful, amazing existence! How could I ever have mistrust in the workings of my life, when a big part of it is fully in my hands and mind (directed by Divine guidance)? 

Perhaps another interpretation of the aforementioned song lyrics is that the "I" who is speaking is the One who is watching my life, thoughts and dreams. The One who reports back with the word change when I'm at a loss, confused and caught up with the drama. The One who knows what's best. The One who brings my attention to the intention in the first place. The One who makes me, makes me, makes me notice where I am lacking and where I can make my life more full and vibrant as a consequence. 

Chrissy Hynde