Thursday, June 10, 2010

Intention and an Easy, Effortless Life

I have a list of Intentions I focus on at the beginning of each day. I've been diligent (only missed one) since I started January 27th, 2010. And even on that day though I did not sit and read and ponder each statement, the ideas swirled through me as I sat at my computer working on my current novel.

My Intentions include words like 'easy' and 'effortlessly'. I've lived over half of my life from the point of view that if I work harder I'll have better results, I'll get ahead faster, I'll produce more, I'll make more money. This view of the world is a kindred spirit of 'no pain, no gain'.

The term 'hard work' is often associated with long hours, pushing through, getting it done which are not necessarily bad but when there is a heaviness, a 'have to' mind set that creates stress, then the joy of the work is lost. Think about the time you were engrossed in a project and the time just flew by. That is what living a life with ease and effortlessness is about.

At this point I want to have it all. I want a life of love, joy, happiness. I want to be productive, writing and publishing my novels. I want time to be with friends and family. And then there is the reality of working until my income from writing increases. With only twenty-four hours in a day, how does that come about? How do I have a life of effortlessness and ease and have all that, do all that?

Shifting my belief that life has to be hard to be good, that I have to struggle to be successful is my starting point. Since I've started my daily Intention work my life is easier, more effortless. I find myself leaving late for an appointment but arriving on time. I find ideas flow into my mind when I relax. I find people who are blessings to me show up without my having to search for them.

The experiment I'm committed to for at least a year is to see how easily and effortlessly I can live my life. How little effort it actually takes to have what I want if I'm clear about and focused on what I want (Intention). To be open to and aware of the world around me and the Synchronicities that support my goals, dreams, and desires.

I'd love to have you join me.

3 comments:

Tam Linsey said...

Judith, this blog entry really spoke to me! Not being familiar with your use of the word "Intention," I now have a clearer understanding of your meaning and purpose, and I want to emulate your goal. The key will be to remain open to the opportunities and synchronicities around me, and to find joy in partaking.
From this moment on, I shall be focusing my Intention upon joy in my work and my life, and effortless accomplishments for myself and those around me. Thank you!

Darla Luke, Writer said...

Judith - Thanks for sharing your journey with us! It's weird how Intention and Synchronicities can happen when you're not looking. It's like I woke up one day and told myself I was going to write every day (Intention), even if it was one hour and I stared at a blank page. Then I broke down how much I'd have to write to get at least one chapter a week (625 words or 2.5 pgs x6 days a week, if you're curious). When I hit that goal effortlessly, I upped it to 675 (3 pgs) per day. Since that time 6 weeks ago, I've written almost 26,000 words on my current book and am happier then I've been in a long time. I am going try what you're doing - stating my Intention every morning, see if that helps with an easy and effortless (which I could use!!) life.

Oh, yeah, and addressing Synchronicity, this blog is an example ... right topic, right time :-)

Thank you!!

Judith Ashley said...

Thanks, Darla...you're right about Synchronicity. Opportunities are constantly appearing around us. The trick is to recognize and act on them.

Let us know how your new Intention Plan is working.