The power of intention

                                        The power of Intention

                                                     By Jimmy Henderson

                                              Hons BA (phil), MA (psych) , FRC

   An intention is similar to an affirmation, but is more powerful in that it is a direct instruction to the unconscious mind. It is most effective when used with meditation, imagery or mental creation and if applied correctly, can bring about an immediate and powerful inner experience. Unlike an affirmation, which is usually repeated over and over, an intention is stated only once. And it is this single act of pure intent and conviction that sets it apart from an affirmation.

   An intention is ‘set’ by formulating a single, simple and precise self-instruction or thought as to exactly what you desire or wish to achieve. It is usually easier to verbalise your intention initially, but later on as you become more experienced, it can be performed mentally.

   Your mind has to be absolutely clear and powerful when an intention is set. It is therefore advisable to first do a quick self-examination to determine if there is any concern or hidden motive which could cause hesitation or doubt and eliminate it. Once activated, the Intention guides the direction of your thought, meditation or imagery towards any specific outcome you have previously determined, such as raising your consciousness, producing a certain inner experience or connecting with a higher energy.

The following are a few examples of Intentions: 

‘I now enter the hall of my memories’

‘I now open my mind to a higher consciousness’

‘I now connect with my higher self’

   Once you have verbally or mentally set your Intention, release it by putting it completely out of your mind and move ahead with your next action with the full knowledge that it will be done. You can assist the proper release of an intention by adding a few words of gratitude such as ‘thank you’ or phrases such as ‘it is done’, or even a symbolic ritual such as a wave of your hand or touching your forehead.

Practiced or focused intent

   The technique of setting an intention reaches a new level when working with energy. If correctly applied, Intent has a real power to move and transform energy. However, this level of practiced intent usually takes many months to develop and follows naturally from the frequent and successful exercise of statements of intent (setting intentions) as shown above.

   Practiced intent also takes the form of a fleeting thought as to what is desired, immediately before the action is completed and requires the same uncluttered state of mind as before. However, this thought is now also lightly maintained over a period of time without being repeated and focussed to bring about the desired changes. And as it has been frequently ‘practiced’, it is far more powerful than the initial setting of an Intention.

   When used for energy-work, practiced Intention performs best when combined with advanced forms of imagery and ritualistic passes (movements) of the hands. There is an old adage which states that ‘energy follows mind’. The fact is that powerful imagery coupled with intent can create psychic templates for the concentration of energy, which can then be moulded and manipulated to protect, heal and even to alter your perception.

The following is a simple exercise that will help you to develop your will-power and practical or practiced intent:

• ·         Set the intention to develop your focus and will-power
• ·         Close your eyes, quiet your mind and enter a relaxed state of meditation
• ·         Begin imagery and consciously create a field of grass
• ·         Engage the level of spontaneous imagery (in which images take on a life of their own)
• ·         See a large rock or boulder on the grass in front of you.
• ·         Using your will-power, try raising the boulder slowly a meter off the ground

(you can use gestures of your hands to assist you)

• ·         Consciously hold it in position

This may be difficult at first but keep trying until you are able to achieve it.  You will notice that if   you allow a thought to enter or if you lose focus even for a moment, the boulder will appear to     wobble or sink back towards the ground.  Attempt to hold the boulder off the ground for at           least ten (10) seconds and then return it slowly to its original place on the ground.

• ·         Complete this process of lifting, holding and returning the boulder, three times.

As this exercise becomes easier over a period of days or weeks, introduce more and larger boulders into your visualised scene, until you are able to raise entire fields of giant rocks in your mind’s eye and hold them for longer periods of time.

You should soon notice a new power in your focus, attention and ability to set an intention and keep to it.

Jimmy Henderson is a well-known metaphysician and regular radio talk show guest. He   is the author of many articles as well as two metaphysical self-help books entitled ‘Multi-   Dimensional Thinking’ and ‘Multi-Dimensional Perception’ which are available at         Exclusive Books, Amazon.com and Kalahari.com. He is also a facilitator with Metavarsity   and based in Durban, South Africa.

Website - www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com