Intention Driven Life

“We really need to do this more often,” my husband tells me as we sit on the porch of our little cabin overlooking the Shoshone National Park. “How do we make that happen?”

I sip my hot Earl Grey tea as I think about how busy our lives have become over the past couple of years. For some reason I thought when I was in my mid-50’s my life would be slowing down. Instead, it seems to be speeding up. In all the best possible ways.

“I think we have to be more intentional about it,” I respond. “Just not sure what that looks like.”

Intention.

Do I do things with intention? Or is it more, let’s see what happens?

I have come to the conclusion as of late, it is the latter.

Maybe that needs to change. Maybe my husband and I need to think differently about this stage of our life. And, intentionality is not a completely foreign concept to me.

As a yoga teacher, at the beginning of every class I ask the students to sit in a comfortable position and close their eyes.

Then, I ask them to set an intention for the class.

I set one myself.

An intention. A purpose.

What do I want to get out of this class?

Flexibility. Strength. Peace. An excuse not to cook dinner. Community.

It really is an important step in making the class yours. In helping you become your most authentic self.

And yet, each morning I wake up and start my day without this very important step. I just jump in to the chaos of my life.

Work. Family. Chores. Writing. Fitness. Cooking.

You know the list. I am absolutely certain you have one too.

And the day- to- day activities of life are necessary and important. Self-care and care-taking of others is an important function of living. I am excellent at making lists and checking off boxes. In fact, I am that person who makes a list and if I do something not on the list, I add it and then check it off.

Yep, I’m that girl.

But, why do I do all these things? What is the purpose? My goal? My intention?

And, does it even matter?

This past week as I spent time on a much- needed break with my husband, I realized for me and in my life, intention is a necessity. Without it, I am just bumbling along, wasting time, and important moments are passing me by.

And I am a very mindful person, overall. But I do get distracted.

Social media. Television shows. Podcasts.

None of which is bad, but they can be time stealers. A mindless activity that becomes a distraction.

How does intentionality look?

Wake up, get in a comfortable position, close my eyes, and set an intention for the day.

Just like my yoga classes.

I sip my Earl Gray tea and look over the landscape so very different than the low country of home. Beautifully majestic with its mountain peaks of craggy rocks and lush green of the new spring foliage.

“May as well get started,” I think. I'm already in a comfortable position. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

Gratitude is my intention for the day.