Mindfulness Thrives On Intention - Don't give up on it!

Intention — The Heartbeat of Mindful Action

Mindful moments can happen by accident, but mindfulness practice takes conscious awareness. Setting an intention, even a simple "Today, I will notice," activates your awareness and strengthens your mindful muscle every single day. Neurodivergent / Trauma-informed Tip: Put up visual reminders of your intention. A phone wallpaper screen, a post-it on the mirror, a mug or piece of artwork that visually cues you to remember your best of intentions. (or join us to Color with ME where we color affirmations together!)

You might be thinking - I’ve tried that. I want that. It just doesn’t work for me. Or - I’ve tried that and it worked but I always forget to come back to it. Just because we made intentions in the past and didn’t have follow through doesn’t mean it has to stay an unused, ineffective practice. It means we have to figure out how it works for us. What barriers are there? What supportive solutions can we create?

Mindfulness thrives on intention. Setting an intention anchors your awareness and provides a focus point when your mind wanders. Just like an affirmation or a mantra - which thanks to my lovely and transformative Unplug training & Davidji - I learned mantra literally translates to “mind vehicle.” So next time it feels like you’re not in the driver’s seat (did someone say inner critic or inner worrier or automatic mode). Slam on the Breaks and shift into intention, you will be driving again before you know it. Today take a moment to set a simple mindful intention, like: "Today, I will return to my breath when I feel overwhelmed." Neurodivergent / Trauma-Informed Twist: “When I feel overwhelmed I will set a compassionate intention that feels like a next step that feels doable.” Sometimes we need a little more flexibility in what intention feels better depending on what is going on sensory and emotional regulation wise in or day. Maybe it’s “When I feel overwhelmed I will use a fidget” or some other option that feels like a better fit. There’s always flexibility in how you practice to make it work for our brains and bodies.

Mindful Being,

Michelle Swerin, MA LPCC, ADHD-CCSP, Autism-CCSP

& Fellow Best Intentions forgetter hence my Intentional Visual reminders, art, stickers, post-its, planner, etc. etc. etc.

My Mantra for the Day: “I’m going to be flexible with my intention to find the fit for me right now in this moment.”