Today is a good day to have a good day. You can creatively program your mind to shift into a positive mindset and help you manifest your dreams and desires by setting intentions. What are intentions? How do I set them? We're glad you asked. Brew a delicious frothy iced latte with your favorite coffee and a2 Milk™ 2% Partly Skimmed Milk, find a cozy seat, and grab your journal. You may want to write your intention down so you can reflect on its power later and write out your thoughts.
What Exactly Are Intentions?
Wellness guru Deepak Chopra MD, FACP, explains that intentions are starting points for our dreams or the creative power that helps us fulfill our needs. Intentions are like seeds that we nurture and let grow.
To plant the seed, we need to quiet the mind. This is often accomplished with meditation or a moment of mindfulness where we shut our eyes and let the mind wander. We don't judge the thoughts that pop up but rather let them float off and bring our awareness back to the seed we are planting -- our intention. Think of it as focusing on a specific dream. Then, let it go and trust the universe to work out the details and result.
Sometimes meditation and setting intentions are paired with basic breathing techniques. This can help us stay in the present moment and focus on the intention we’re setting, not the random thoughts that emerge.
Examples of Positive Intentions
So, what sort of dreams and needs can be proposed in an intention? Anything really! Your intention might focus on your health, work, family, finances, pets, friends, housing, or love. Any topic that you want to focus on mindfully is wonderful.
To phrase your intention, start with the words "I am" and make the dream a present statement, even if it isn't true yet. Here are a few ideas:
I am financially stable.
I am physically healthy.
I am cared for and loved by my friends.
I am successful at my job.
I am a caring parent.
I am loving myself today.
Now think of an "I am" statement that you can set as an intention for today. Pause and think about it for a moment. Repeat the words in your mind. Write them in your journal. Then, go about your day as usual.
Are you ready to focus on your intentions? To make the "I am physically healthy" intention a reality, plan to make a healthy recipe featuring a2 Milk™ such as the Acai Berry Smoothie Pops or Breakfast Tacos.
The power of mindfulness
Susan A. Gaylord, PhD, and Kessonga Giscombé, MS, from the University of North Carolina's Program on Integrative Medicine explain that mindfulness helps us stay in the present moment (so we don't rehash yesterday or worry about tomorrow), to avoid triggers for stress and even chronic pain. For even a few minutes, this gentle slowing down of our day helps to regulate our nervous system, so the body can naturally reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and the release of stress hormones.
They explain that mindfulness is like a muscle, and to really strengthen your outcomes, it's best to practice daily. The part of the brain that processes the stress responses can even shrink when mindfulness practices are used regularly.
For more ways to nurture your healthy lifestyle, browse the blog! We think you'll enjoy this post on How to Set Boundaries When You Work From Home and our 5 Tips for Mindful Eating. .
