Intentional Paths

What does it mean to be intentional?  I hear this all the time especially in my yoga classes – set your intentions for your practice.  But it suggests so much more outside of this sacred safe space.  Intentional by definition means to be purposeful and deliberate.  So, what does this mean in our everyday? I’m convinced it requires showing up as who you are, just being you…authentically you.  But there’s a little more to it.  

Does it mean being intentional with how you live your life?  What you eat? What you say?  How you act in front of others and alone?  Or does it mean in your everyday how you interact with those who are hurting or less fortunate or living a different way than you are?  It’s all those things and so much more.  When I think about being intentional, I think of purpose – what is my purpose and how am I going to live that out?  Through the hurts and disappointments, through the joys and successes – how do I show my purpose has meaning and show others how theirs does as well?

I invite you into a space where you take a look on the inside and gaze around on the outside.  How you see and what you say about yourself echoes though generations.  How have you been able to hold space for others in this season?  And see others hold space for you?   

I recently received a message from a sweet friend who I hadn’t connected with in quite some time.  They shared that I had shown up for them in such a way that many years later, they see how it has shaped their life. I can’t remember all I said and did, I just walked alongside them.  But they remember.  I wonder if I can encourage everyone today to show up in an intentional, genuine way because you never know who needs someone like you in their life.

What I know for sure is that living life with purpose and being intentional in your everyday allows connection, mentorship, a shining light that lifts a spirit, and an opportunity to encourage yourself while you encourage others.  That message from my friend reminded me that I’m not living this life just for myself, but for everyone that has come before and will come after me.  Let’s pray and ask what our purpose should be and intentionally live that out.