Tired of feeling pulled in every direction?

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The Energy of You Volume XX Issue #21

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Hi Reader,

I was at a writing retreat a couple of years ago when the instructor asked us to set an intention for the session.

Each person shared a goal – edit two chapters, write five thousand words, clarify the theme and plot.

When it was my turn I said “My goal is to have a fully fleshed outline, but my intention is to be open and curious as I tune into my deep well of knowledge.”

This led to a lively conversation about goals, intentions, and affirmations and how each plays a different role in shaping our experience.

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We all know how powerful words can be, the ones we write, the ones we speak, and the ‘inside’ words we say to ourselves.

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As we age some things feel more urgent, not in a frantic way, but in a clarified, focused one. Time feels more precious. Energy more valuable. What we give our attention to feels more impactful.

That’s why intention-setting is such a powerful practice. Especially now.

Setting an intention is like creating a container of fertile energy to grow what you’re desiring. While I’m all in for a good meander, regular distracted, unclear actions can be time consuming and divert your attention from what matters.

A couple definitions to clarify.

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Goals

Definition:
​ Goals are clear, specific outcomes you aim to achieve in the future. They are the tangible expressions of your desires measurable milestones that guide your actions and help you stay focused.

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From a mind-body lens, goals align your thoughts, emotions, and energy toward a particular result, giving your daily efforts purpose and direction.

Think of goals as the destination on your GPS, they help you choose which road to take, and guides your timing on the journey.

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Affirmations

Definition:
​ Affirmations are positive, present-tense statements used to rewire limiting beliefs and align your inner dialogue with a belief or identity you want to embody. It affirms a truth as if it’s already real, helping rewire the subconscious mind and shift self-perception.

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They activate neuroplasticity, shift your vibration, and support emotional and energetic resonance with the life you want to create.

Affirmations are like tuning forks for your subconscious gently shifting your frequency to align with your desired outcome.

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Intentions

Definition:
​ Intentions are conscious, heart-centered statements of how you want to show up in the present moment. Unlike goals, which focus on results, intentions are about energy, alignment, and presence.

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They bridge your inner truth with your outer actions, setting the tone for how you engage with the world.

Intentions are like tuning the dial of your inner radio station, they influence the energy you bring to each experience, no matter the outcome.

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That’s not to say if you set goals, write an affirmation, and state an intention every day will unfold exactly as you planned. It does mean you show up more connected to what matters to you. And you’re far more likely to notice when you’re out of alignment or doing something ‘just because’.

If you’re hovering in the zip code of “I don’t know what I want” setting an intention for clarity can help move you forward.

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Brain + Energy Coherence

Here’s the science: When you set an intention, especially one that resonates emotionally, your brain and heart begin to sync. This creates what researchers call “coherence”, a measurable state where your nervous system, breath, and brainwaves operate in harmony.

Studies show that intention-setting increases a sense of agency and perceived control, especially in times of uncertainty.

Energetically, intention acts like a tuning fork. It brings your scattered parts into resonance and helps you show up more fully as yourself in a clear focused way.

Consciously choosing where your attention goes, helps to manage your energy flow.

Rituals for Intention-Setting

Intentions don’t require a fancy complicated approach(of course if that’s your jam, go for it). It can be as simple as a breath, a thought, or a candle lit with quiet presence.

Here are a few gentle rituals to try:

• Morning Journaling: Write a sentence that starts with “Today, I intend to…”
  (Example: “Today, I intend to meet myself with compassion.”)
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• Candle Ritual: Light a candle and speak your intention out loud as a declaration to yourself and the universe. Watch the flame for a moment as it anchors the energy.
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• Breath + Whisper: Take three slow breaths. On the exhale, whisper your intention under your breath like a secret prayer. Repeat.
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Do you have a favorite intention or ritual ?

Hit reply and share them with me.

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Be Inspired,

Cathy

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