Skillful Means: Acting with Intention
Your Skillful Means, sponsored by the Wellspring Institute, is designed to be a comprehensive
resource for people interested in personal growth, overcoming inner obstacles, being helpful
to others, and expanding consciousness. It includes instructions in everything from common
psychological tools for dealing with negative self talk, to physical exercises for opening the body
and clearing the mind, to meditation techniques for clarifying inner experience and connecting to
deeper aspects of awareness, and much more.
Acting with Intention
PURPOSE/EFFECTS
Setting an intention before beginning a task or activity can help guide your actions so that they
are in line with your values. Doing this can support personal growth and positively influence your
actions, work, and relationships.
Perspectives on Self-Care
Be careful with all self-help methods (including those presented in this Bulletin), which are no substitute for working with a licensed healthcare practitioner. People vary, and what works for someone else may not be a good fit for you. When you try something, start slowly and carefully, and stop immediately if it feels bad or makes things worse.
METHOD
Summary
Before your start an activity, set an intention for what
you would like to embody and cultivate. Carry your
intention with you throughout the day and change it
as necessary.
Long Version
- Before beginning a task or activity, ask yourself what you wish to embody or cultivate during your work.
- You can set an intention for any activity, such as meditating, going to a meeting, having dinner
with your family, or having a conversation with a coworker - Intentions can include practicing more self-compassion, deep listening, gratitude, and
cultivating supportive relationships. - When setting your intention, try to clarify what is most needed in that moment.
- Try to mindfully carry this intention with you as you proceed, checking in periodically to realign yourself if you forget.
- At the end of the day reflect on whether you remembered your intention(s) and how often you
followed them. - Look for specific instances and congratulate yourself for any times, however few or brief, that
you embodied your intention and then congratulate yourself!
Optional:
In addition to specific intentions for a certain activity, you can also set a more general intention for
your day when you wake up each morning.
HISTORY
Setting an intention for your day or before an activity is a common practice in various cultures.
In the Buddhist tradition, Right Intention is the second teaching in the Noble Eightfold Path. It
includes committing oneself to personal growth and ethical behavior, resisting unhealthy desire,
and not causing harm to oneself or others.
SEE ALSO
Identifying Personal Values
Realizing Intention
Self Affirmations to Reduce Self-Control Failure
Fare Well
May you and all beings be happy, loving, and wise
The Wellspring Institute
For Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom
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and freely offers information and methods – supported by brain science and the contemplative disciplines – for greater happiness, love,
effectiveness, and wisdom. For more information about the Institute, please go to wisebrain.org/wellspring-institute.
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Posted by mkeane on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 @ 11:36PM
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