Remember to tune in

I have spent much (too much) of my life on automatic. And I know I am happier and more fulfilled when I am clearer on how I want to live my life and noticing if I am doing it! But first I need to remember to tune in – and that is what reflective and intention practices do for me. Not surprisingly, these practices have also played a big role in my work as a facilitator and coach. Over the years Lillas and I have accumulated a resource kit of practices to support reflecting, setting and living intentions.  And we know these practices make a difference in our lives, and the lives of our clients, or we wouldn’t be doing it.

Try this reflective practice

Recently, I was reminded of Rachel Remen’s heart journal process. She suggests we have more meaningful lives than we know, and to help us deepen our connection to meaning, she provides a guide for using three reflection questions at the end of each day. The three questions are: what surprised me today? what touched or moved me today? and what inspired me today? This practice brings clarity to what is important to you, can take you out of the busy-ness in your head, and can be used as a foundation for meaningful discussion in workshops, with families, or in work settings. I hope you’ll check it out.

Intentions require choice & commitment

As I look back on the year, I am struck by the number of blogs we have had on the theme of setting, declaring and honouring intentions. The word – intentions – is thrown around a bit, so let’s consider it as thoughts & emotions directed towards outcomes and actions. This can be outcomes for life, for the day, for this particular moment. In January, Lillas wrote about setting, declaring and sharing intentions and in February I talked about intentions and integrity and the importance of moment by moment choices. Our colleague, Candace Laing, talks about noticing when we get in our own way, or crapping out on our intentions.

And that is how we are entering the new year, reflecting and eager to share some innovative ways of setting intentions and keeping them.   Join us in our intentions setting workshops.

Linda McCann, January 5, 2014

Photos: Top Lightbourne Key, Grand Bahamas Bottom Bridge at Outlook, Saskatchewan both by Linda