Many of us look at the New Year as an opportunity to begin with a ‘clean slate’; to finish up old projects or start new ones; to re-invent ourselves. There is something about a new year that feels like a fresh start. Whatever we didn’t do last year, we have the opportunity to do in the New Year. So, have you made your resolutions for this year? Or have you joined the ranks of those who have stopped making New Year’s resolutions because they always seem destined to fail?
Yet we know that intention is the power of Feng Shui. So, what is the difference between a resolution and an intention? Is there a difference?
The dictionary defines a resolution as ‘the state or quality of being resolute; firm determination; the act of resolving to do something. A course of action determined or decided upon.’
An intention is defined as ‘an aim that guides an action; an intention signifies a course of action that one proposes to follow; purpose and determination.
In Feng Shui, setting an intention helps to focus and strengthen your determination. The major difference between an intention and a resolution is that, based on the principle ‘everything is energy’, a Feng Shui intention uses an object such as a crystal, photo, bowl, etc. which has been ‘infused’ with your intention. Then, with simple and beautiful ceremony, is placed in the energy space of your home that corresponds with that life area that you wish to change. Thus, when the daily demands of work, family and life distract you from your intention, that item continues to ‘hold’ the energy of your intention. It is there working for you 24-7 even when your mind ‘forgets’. And often, its very presence in your space serves as a gentle reminder on a daily basis that there is a vibrational energy working on your behalf.
So, if that intention is about clearing clutter, a crystal might be hung over the area that most needs your attention to remind you that every day, or even once a week, you can take 9 minutes of your time to clear out 9 items that you no longer need or use. If your intention is about having more money, a fountain might be placed in the wealth area of your home or desk to hold that intention for you. If your resolution is about making better grades or completing that thesis, an object of your choice can be ‘placed’ in the knowledge area of your space. Want to call in a partner? How about hanging a wind chime in the partnership area of your home? Want to improve an existing relationship? Buy new pink sheets or add 2 pink candles in your bedroom. Resolving to loose weight? A crystal hung in the very center, or health area, of your home can hold that intention for you; on a subtle level, observe how small shifts in the care of your body will begin to happen.
Remember that to “set an intention” you must
1. Be very clear about what you want
2. Possess a strong desire to have it
3. Believe that it’s already yours
In his book, “The Seat of the Soul,” Gary Zukav states that an intention is not only a desire, it is the use of your will. Setting a powerful intention requires clarity of vision and determination. Allow yourself to have your dream, create a vision of the intended outcome, and, despite adversity or those who might unintentionally be sabotaging that dream, stay focused on your intention.
“Bless the moment, trust yourself and expect the best.” Hunan Philosophy