Intention Setting

Intention setting is an exercise intended to help you reflect on your personal values and live your life with those values in mind.

Imagine that you are sitting comfortably somewhere many years from now. You're well into the final stages of your life, peacefully sitting on a porch overlooking a beautiful view. You're grateful for where you are and the life you've lead.

Reflect on the life you’ve had from the vantage point of a comfortable old age. Ask yourself these questions, and take a few moments to write down your responses:

• What makes you happy? Consider different parts of your life, such as friends, family, work, career, good and bad times, personal and spiritual development, creativity, health, self-expression, and service.
• What are some of the things you feel grateful for?
• What has been important in your life?
• What do you wish you had done differently?
• What qualities or aspects of your life make you glad that you have lived and feel at peace with where you are now?
• Looking back, what would you say to a younger version of yourself?

Write down the main themes you notice as you read back over your reflections. Some examples of themes you may notice include:

• I wish I was kinder to myself and others.
• I enjoy spending time outside.
• I feel grateful for my best friend.

Every morning for the next week, choose an intention, and write it down.You can set your intentions based on the themes you noticed from the reflection. Some example intentions include:

• I will include a compassion practice in my daily meditation.
• I want to say at least one kind thing to my partner every day.
• I will take a short walk outside every morning.
• I want to invite my friend over for dinner once a month.

Below your intention, write down one of your positive qualities, such as generosity or dedication, that will help you accomplish your goal. This way, you're acknowledging one of your strengths while working toward your goals. Keep track of how you feel before and after.