As I write these experiments each week, I find myself consistently returning to the centrality of intention as part of spiritual and daily practice.  I've said many times before, but it bears repeating, intention is the rudder that allows us to move into whatever flow we want to have as the foundation of our experience.  For example, before I get out of bed at the beginning of each day, I check in with myself, plant a smile on my face, and express my gratitude for a new day.  My intention is to be conscious of the gift of a new day, and to engage whatever experience comes my way with gratitude for the fact that I am here, I'm alive, and I have an opportunity in this new day to experiment with the ways in which my focus of awareness affects the quality of my life.

Because I have practiced living with intention for so many years, I find it an invaluable part of generating a quality of life I enjoy, and of helping myself move through the times that aren't so great.  One of the intentions I carry with me into difficult times is my commitment to learn and allow life experience to bring me lessons that help me in the long run.  Because of that intention, I tend to move through times that aren't so great with two tracks running - on one track, I may be miserable and complaining; on the other, I may be curious and noticing what I'm learning along the way - what strengths I may be building, what cause-and-effect interactions I'm noticing that come from my own stuff. 

And so, for this week's experiment, I invite you - yet again - to focus on the intentions that are the foundation of how you move through the world and that generate what you expect to happen in your life.  There aren't any right or wrong intentions.  Instead, there is the constant opportunity to take a look at where your rudder is pointed, and what flow you're in, based on your intentions and beliefs.  It's helpful to remember that, while we may not be able to control what comes our way, we have an opportunity - and intention fuels this - to choose to learn what we can from whatever comes our way.

Also remember to bring along curiosity as your constant companion, as it is curiosity that opens the inner door to discovery and supports a willingness to learn from experience.  And, as always, remember to pat any judgments on the head as they arise and move through, and to avoid feeding them with self-criticism, doubt, or fear.  These experiments are intended to help enhance your quality of life, and strengthen your capacity to choose how you want to engage what comes your way.  I hope you enjoy tracking your intentions and playing with what happens to your quality of life when you mindfully choose intentions that support you.