New Years Intentions

Out with the old, in with the new. 2016 is upon us and so is the annual buzz about resolutions for the New Year. Resolutions about losing weight, exercising more, drinking less, spending time with friends. Sound familiar?

New Year’s resolutions are really New Year’s goals, arrived at as a result of taking stock of one’s life at the end one year, and before the beginning of the next. At the end of 2016, the buzz will be about setting goals for 2017. Goals are about the future and goal setting can be an effective way of accomplishing tasks and projects, finishing work and being competent in the world. We need to set goals, whether short term or long term.

Yet we also need to set intentions. Intentions, unlike goals, are not about getting somewhere or doing something. Intentions are about noticing and allowing, a gentle leaning towards. Intention setting allows the goals to be wise and connected to the true self. Perhaps setting an intention to be non-judgmental of others will allow for spending more time with friends. Or, an intention to be grateful for your body, however imperfect, can allow for healthier eating.

Intentions might result in foundations for goals, but maybe not. Goal setting may result in list making and a sense of accomplishment. Not a bad result. Intention setting, however, can result in greater self-awareness and peace.

 

~Claire Weiner