Week Four: The Power of Intention.
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Intention is punk rock. It’s both middle fingers to complacency and the well-hidden antidote to aimless wandering. It’s saying, “I know who I am, and I know what I stand for.” The power of intention is what transforms actions into sacred acts, turning the mundane into the meaningful.
Buddhism teaches that intentions matter more than outcomes. It’s not just what you do but why you do it that shapes karma. Indigenous wisdom reminds us that intention isn’t just personal; it’s communal. When we set our intentions, we honor our ancestors and the generations who will inherit the ripple effects of our choices. Christian theology, the kind that I subscribe to, at least, emphasizes the divine invitation to partner in the ongoing creation of the world. Our intentions align us with God’s vision, infusing purpose into the everyday.
But let’s be real—modern life thrives on autopilot. Wake up, scroll, work, scroll some more, sleep, repeat. Breaking that cycle takes guts. Living with intention means asking hard questions: Why am I doing this? Does it align with who I want to be? It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.
This week, take the time to set a bold, clear intention for your life. What kind of person do you want to become? What kind of world do you want to help create? Write it down. Say it out loud. Let it shape your choices. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction. Even punk bands tune their instruments before making noise.
Challenge: Each day this week, revisit your intention. At the end of the day, reflect: Did your actions align with your purpose? If not, why? Document your insights in a journal. Watch how even the smallest intentional shifts ripple through your life.
“You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny.” — The Upanishads, trans. Eknath Easwaran
