Dear Reader,
First of all, how are you feeling? I mean really take a moment to reflect on how you are feeling in this moment. I am grateful that you found this blog spot and are reading this message on focused intentions. I am focused on the thought of how you may be feeling given the various issues of this life. It is my hope that you will take a 2-minute pause here in order to reflect on your true feelings, once you note your feelings (you may write your feelings and or reflect on your feelings). Now try to enter into another brief 2-minute pause to make room for intentional breathing by taking a cleansing breath in (hold for 3 seconds) and focused and refreshing breath out (to the count of 5 seconds) as though you are blowing out many birthday candles. Thank you for your participation if you did indeed participate. If not, there is no rush, try it now or again if you did.
Focused intentions require a clear and ready mindset to begin the process. Being focused is attainable through developing a realistic plan to identify the source of your intention, the details of fulfilling your intention and ideas about what you are intending to accomplish. For example, you could have a desire to take a nap to relax your mind and body before cleaning your room. The focus in being intentional is noting the desired outcome of the two combined tasks 1. To nap for relaxation and restoration 2. To clean your room.
Using this example throughout this message will help to guide the process of setting yourself up for the success of focused intentions. Note the following necessities prior to seeking to execute the tasks for example - for task number 1:
o What location in your environment that is conducive for a nap (your bed, couch, favorite chair)
o Is the temperature conducive for napping with or without a cover or blanket and if a blanket is warranted select the one that is most comfortable for you
o Is the environment quiet and/or for those whom prefer a little noise conducive for restful napping
o Do you have a timer ready to set and in hand once you have focused your attention on the napping environment essentials
To continue with our task number two set up:
o Assess the goal of cleaning your room
o Is it realistic to clean your entire room in one attempt or may there be layers for example with the time allotted to be intentional?
o Again (with your timer set) determine the time designated to this task for example make your 20 minutes to assess your room, and 30 minutes to complete either a layer or the entire room given the depth of what is required and based on your ability to focus given your attention span
o In this example, you may choose to you focus and prioritize the first layer of your room that will give you a mapping of what the next layer may be i.e. your closet, dresser, bed, under the bed, the corners of your room and intentionally complete each portion well timed to completion
As indicated in the task examples above, both 1 and 2 required prior planning. The focused intention is setting up the plan by determining what is needed to accomplish your task with having a clear vision of not only the what of the task but the how to successfully complete the task. So, for this simple 2 part focused task experience, one must set up, prep up and accomplish with precision. By choosing to practice your steps to focused intentions, no matter how simple the task may seem (like taking a moment to breathe), you have now given yourself the time, plan and attention to the detail to execute with satisfaction. You may even learn along the intended way other simple ideas that may enhance your focused attempts to be intentional. Please remember that practice does not make perfect, practice makes intentional focus purposeful and meaningful.