By Tara McGee, MSW, RSW, Dip TiRP Psychotherapist, OCSWSSW, IAYT
Our intentions emanate from our heart’s desires. They reflect how we wish to be as we move towards our goals. When we set an intention, it arises from our intuitive self—the part of us that exists beyond thought or logic; the part of us that simply knows.
Setting an intention is different from setting a goal. A goal is something we want to achieve—it’s about doing. Intention is about being—the inner quality we bring to that doing. Goals aim at a specific outcome; intentions shape the experience of the journey. The goal is known and often measurable; the outcome of intention is open-ended and often surprising.
For example, if I wake up and decide to practice yoga, my goal is to complete my yoga practice. Perhaps a further goal is to build strength in my body. But if I pause at the beginning of practice and ask, “What is my heart’s desire?” or simply, “What is my intention?”, something deeper may arise. Perhaps: “To experience peace,” “To remain present,” or “To let go of anger.” Then, even though the external form of my practice may look the same, it will be infused with a different internal quality—an intention that returns me to my essential self and connects me to more subtle, authentic layers of my being.
Intention directs our consciousness, our choices, and our energy. When we focus our mind on an intention, energy follows—where the mind goes, energy flows. While goals are about control and prediction, intentions open us to possibility. They can produce unexpected and powerful effects on our bodies, our relationships, our communities, and even the energy around us. When set from the heart and held with sincerity and dedication, intention aligns us with a more expansive field of influence.
A beautiful illustration of this comes from Masaru Emoto’s experiments with water. In one such experiment, a group of people gathered around a petri dish of Tokyo tap water. Initially, the water showed no discernible crystalline structure under the microscope, but looked more like a blob. The group then collectively focused on the feeling of gratitude. As they did, the water restructured into beautiful, symmetrical geometric patterns. They didn’t force the change—they simply were in the state of gratitude. The outcome arose from the energy of their shared intention and the outcome was surprising, delighting them.
(Watch this experiment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDNhH8deZPg)
So, if your heart’s desire is to experience peace, joy, abundance, or love, begin by aligning your consciousness—your thoughts, your energy, your spirit—with that intention. Keep returning to it, devote to it. Let go of expectations or judgment. Be the intention, and notice what unfolds. You may find that you are not just striving toward a goal, but participating in the creation of your reality—and that the effects of your intention are more profound than any goal you could have imagined.
You may be interested in joining “Whole Again”, a 6-week program focused on healing trauma, reconnecting with peace and remembering your worth. Learn more about the program and book a FREE call with Tara.