giving Attention to Intention

Although it seems like eons ago, I have found myself thinking about what it was like to attend professional development gigs during the last few years of my career.  My standard response when asked about a conference or workshop I attended would be "you know, I don't always learn something new, but I always walk away either having something old brought to the forefront of my brain or being re-energized about my job.  And occasionally, I learn something new." Before I tie this to my India experience, let me explain my position. I so don't think I know it all, far from it.  However, after 22 years in my field(s), it was sometimes hard to run across something new, so I always relied on the fact that I would gain something important, no matter what.

My experience in India provided both opportunities.  Tantric philosophy, Vinyasa Flow and Indian culture were new, while looking inward at my life; my relationship to self, others and the universe was in many ways like visiting an old friend...minus the glass of wine or Grand Marnier.  For me, the sign(s) of a good teacher or program is when you have visited all of the above, many times, in many ways, without necessarily realizing it at the time.   Then, days, weeks or a month later you go "Oh, wow, that was rich.  How did they pull that off?"  My answer, at least one of them, is that they give Attention to Intention.  And that, my friends, is what has been brought to the forefront of my brain once again and re-energized me for my...life, my job(s), my relationships.

How often do I approach my day, a task, a conversation with intention?  For me, not as often as I would like.  Now that is not to say that I am not purposeful or that I don't have many occasions where I recognize that something occurred that either was or was not my intention at all but was beautiful, none-the-less.  That, after all, is the splendor and reality of life.  But my friends, you beautiful souls that I have intentionally opened my hearts to, the sweetness, intoxication and beauty that can come from giving attention to intention, is worth its weight in gold.  Some call it mindfulness.  Some call it their nature.  Some call it odd.  What, if anything, do you call it, or would you call it.....if it was your intention?


I have missed you.  It is good to be back.....