In your daily life, are you giving loving energy to yourself and others? Or fearful energy? I ask myself these questions every day as a way to check in with my intention.

Intention is often associated with doing or making more of something, like doing more fitness classes or making more money. However, I like to think of intention as a state of energy and a way of being. It’s the energy that leads us in our actions.

When I think of intention, I am reminded of Chloé Zhao’s recent Oscar acceptance speech for Best Director of Nomadland. In her speech, Chloé recites the first line of a Chinese poem that she read with her dad when she was a little girl. Translated to English, the line reads: “People, at birth, are inherently good”. She shares that her belief in this truth is what gets her through hard times.

This is true for me as well. I believe that human beings are born inherently good with an abundance of loving energy. It is our walk through time that changes the way we show up with love. It is repeated exposure to ignorance and judgment that blocks the flow of our loving energy from reaching others.

All too often, we feel compelled to put up a shield around our hearts as a way of protecting our precious loving energy from being stolen or mistreated. In these moments, the shield keeps our love hidden and we are guided by our fear. Given this pattern of behaviour, our intention to be good often gets overshadowed by our need to feel protected.

The good news is that you can change the pattern by getting closer to your source of love – the sacred part of you that is life-giving. With the presence of mind and the power of intention, you can give the world what you inherently have to offer – your love.

What does it mean to live with intention?

For me, living with intention is serving the energy of your heart and acting from a place of love and truth. It is the energy you give to your life and, ultimately, it is the energy you get back from others.

Be with your intention

Now more than ever, we need to tune in to our loving energy and tune out fearful messages. Early mornings are a great time to be without your phone for a few minutes and be with your intention. Every morning for the next couple of weeks (or forever!), please join me in exercising your heart muscle by tapping into your love energy.

Start by attributing loving and kind qualities to yourself. Make a declaration to be loving and kind no matter what happens during the day. When you stay intent on being loving and kind, even in the face of adversity or at the hands of cruelty, you show up for yourself with love and kindness. In these hard and painful moments, you choose to be loving and kind to you. By being with your intention in this way, you stay true to your heart. Also, it’s good to note that when things are going well, being with your intention is equally important. It keeps your ego in check and your love in flow.

I recommend making a mantra that speaks to your true intention. Keep it simple so that you can remember it and repeat it as often as necessary throughout your day! Something like “I will be loving” is simple and effective. This practice encourages you to tap into your light source and open a flow of loving energy from your heart to the outside world (instead of protecting yourself with a shield). I honestly believe that when you embody your mantra –  your words of intent – you guide the way you give and receive love in your daily life.

Author Cheryl Strayed says that “quotes are mini-instruction manuals for the soul”. I agree! Y’all know how much I love quotes! With so many things to do each day, an inspiring quote can go a long way in helping to set the tone of your energy. Print some quotes and make a quote jar. It’s a fun way to introduce the practice of intention to your kids. Here are two books that are packed full of good energy and inspiration: Brave Enough by Cheryl Strayed and What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey.

Practice Using Your Heart Compass

Thanks to all of you for your support of my new picture book! It is almost here! While we wait patiently for its arrival, practice using your heart compass as a guide to check in with your emotions. It is a helpful way to shift your energy to meet your intention. Let joy, kindness, courage and calmness help you stay on track.

Intention is our guiding light on the path to authenticity. Each day, let’s replenish the light in our hearts so that we can give the world what we are meant to give – our love and goodness. This is the journey to deeper connection and well-being.

Thank you for being on the path with me. Next time, we’ll explore forgiveness.

Let’s journey together.

Our community is rooted in love and we love sharing stories and ideas that help us move forward on the path to authenticity. Please feel free to share your encouraging words and creative expressions with us here and on Instagram #yourheartjourney | @meganlammam

With love,