The Role of Intention

Before we begin any conversation, we form an intention. Intention is preverbal. Therefore, no matter the words we utter, that intention will be projected to our anticipated audience. Dr. Wayne Dyer says it best: Intention doesn’t err. The words almost don’t matter.

Rrrrright!

That’s why you can stand face to face with an individual and prior to engaging verbally, each of you has an idea what brand of exchange is about to transpire. Take for instance a loving, hateful, playful, rude, friendly etc. exchange. We intrinsically know.

We’re all born with intention. We don’t speak for 1-1 ½ years after we’re born. Our Mothers innately know what we need when we cry or whine or make a certain sound or facial expression. And just like that, they provide us what we reuire – food, water, nappy change etc. Sort of an, “I intend to let you know that I have a poopy diaper, or that am huuuungryyyy.” You catch my drift, yes?

If our intention is that convincing when we are babies, imagine how much power we have encased as adults. Your intention doesn’t err. I’m sure you’ve witnessed it when you’ve asked someone their opinion on how you look in a certain outfit. If they say the opposite of what they really wanted to say, you can “feel” it. It’s their intention that you feel. You automatically know, regardless of their little white lie, what they really meant to say. Mhm! 

Say what you mean...

Mean what you say!

Think back to a conversation you’ve had with someone. A “surface” kind of conversation; where the words being uttered did not match the energy in the air. And you’re shaking your head thinking, “I hear the words coming out of your mouth, but…um... Something’s not quite right here.” Intention, there it is.

Or how you can be travelling in a foreign country and mistakenly turn into the “wrong” street. You sense the nefariousness of the characters you’re looking at, your hackles are raised…and they may never utter a word. Or maybe they do, and it’s incomprehensible, you don’t speak the language. Somehow, you know they mean you harm. Their intention mixes in with your instinct and you are outta there.

I was in Barcelona and espied a gentleman toting a Nike plastic bag. I needed sneakers badly. My fancy sneakers with a heel were not cutting it. So, I asked the guy where I could find the Nike shop. He pointed me in the general direction and I was happily on my way. Halfway there, I needed reassurance. I didn’t want to walk too far in the wrong direction. I asked some hunk of a passerby if I was headed in the right direction. As soon as he said “No, you’re not,” my quills started rising. It was the way he said it, too fast for starters. My brow furrowed, my nose flared and my lower lip curled outward. Cocking my head, I asked if he was sure and he said he was. Furthermore, he could take me directly to the shop but we would have to turn into another street, sideways of where I was headed. Eh..What? In spite of his complements to me and his suave talk, I sensed he meant me harm. I quickly got rid of him. For one my Spanish is limited and he spoke zero English.

Intention. Is it possible that we can turn around and use it for good?  Create harmony in our lives. I’ve tried it at work, in grocery stores, when am travelling. I use a yoga greeting that goes approximately like this: The peace in me salutes the peace in you. I don’t say it aloud. I just sort of “transfer” it from my spirit to the other persons as they walk towards me, or as I approach them. I’ve noticed an overwhelming feeling of peace in me and a sort of “recognition” from the other person. Our conversation following this is easy, effortless, almost guided. It’s a good exchange, each time.  

What you think about, you bring about.