Life arises from the tip of intention.

There have been moments in my life when it becomes absolutely clear what matters most to me. Latest was visualizing a future of bliss in the eyes of a loved one. Others being the birth of a precious baby human who made me an uncle, standing awestruck in the face of an epic mountain range, the feeling of purpose when I’m serving others, admiring a fine work of creativity, even a deep realization of truth through a song lyric can stir up a moment of clarity.

It’s a beautiful thing, when my actions align with what I value and aspire to be. When this alignment occurs, I feel like I’m home.

But as expected with life’s natural contrast, moments of expectations, limitations, and distractions can quickly cloud what I aspire to do or become.

When I lose sight of what’s important, my day becomes shaped by something other than what my deepest self-wants. I act out of fear, grasp on to something I don’t want to lose, distract myself with “work”, or act in effort to satisfy someone else’s desires.

To get down to the deepest self (which often looks like an endless abyss), it take some digging. It takes being open, getting uncomfortable, hitting lows, asking questions, challenging what’s normal and catching myself passively acting in response to others.

Next time you communicate with someone, notice how much of what’s going on is in some way wanting the other person to have a favorable impression. I’ve noticed getting caught in a judgmental state of mind often narrows my true self because it limits me from being real and in touch with what matters. It disconnects me from what matters and keeps me from being spontaneous, real and alive!

So when it’s so easy to get distracted and forget what matters, how do we remember? Or perhaps more importantly, rediscover?

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If you had a day to live, how would you want to live it in a way that would matter to your heart?

Give that question some time to sink in and you’ll begin realizing what you value.

In the words of a mother diagnosed with cancer and given two weeks to live, “No time to rush.”

Slowing down and being present puts us in touch with what really matters.

When we’re rushed and reactive to stress, we’re not able to inhabit the presence.  In these moments of stress, our system is designed to narrow, and then misguided feelings can begin directing our decisions and behavior.

Every thought, decision, and action is made in the moment. So when we’re present, we can actively observe the intentions that guide our thoughts and actions. This recognition can help shape aspirations that are rooted in the devotion of who we truly are and what we love.

With aspiring freedom comes a new sense of strength, energy and focus.

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