My first experience with adopting an intention was in my yoga class. The instructor would start the class by suggesting that we have an intention for the class such as peace, joy, or breath. I thought that was a great idea and tried to choose an intention each morning for the day. However, it was difficult to come up with a new intention each day and it didn’t give me much time to really get into the spirit of it.
Then an OA sponsor told me of her practice of choosing an intention for the year! That is a do-able goal and I enjoy looking for a word or phrase that seems to be calling me to explore it.
I have chosen ‘Lightness in My Heart’ as my 2022 intention.
How can we choose an intention? Our program provides many ways. Our steps and traditions each have a spiritual principle. For example, the spiritual principle of Step 5 is integrity, and the spiritual principle of Tradition 7 is responsibility.
I started this yearly practice in 2015 with the word Recovery as my intention. Then in 2016 I chose Becoming/Change, in 2017 Joy/Rejoicing, and in 2018 Balance/Healing. For the last few years it has been more of a phrase: Be Peace/Practice Kindness in 2019 and Live, Love, and Learn to Let Go in 2020. Last year (2021) I chose: Be Still, Wait, and Listen.
How can we practice an intention? I try to bring it into all parts of my day and into my actions. I bring the intention to my mind during meditation and especially when I am using the tool of writing. Whenever I begin a new page in my journals, I write my intention at the top. On my walks I bring the rhythm of the words into my mind and sometimes even say them out loud. When I spend time in my yard and amongst my trees, I try to have ‘lightness in my heart’. I share about my intention in my home meeting. It is an intention that reminds me to be grateful and share joy. When I am reading the OA literature or other spiritual help books, I look for the words light and lightness.
Having an intention is another gift I’ve received from the Overeaters Anonymous program. It helps me grow in recovery and realize the spiritual gifts in all areas of my life.
Lesley K. - Region One
Then an OA sponsor told me of her practice of choosing an intention for the year! That is a do-able goal and I enjoy looking for a word or phrase that seems to be calling me to explore it.
I have chosen ‘Lightness in My Heart’ as my 2022 intention.
How can we choose an intention? Our program provides many ways. Our steps and traditions each have a spiritual principle. For example, the spiritual principle of Step 5 is integrity, and the spiritual principle of Tradition 7 is responsibility.
I started this yearly practice in 2015 with the word Recovery as my intention. Then in 2016 I chose Becoming/Change, in 2017 Joy/Rejoicing, and in 2018 Balance/Healing. For the last few years it has been more of a phrase: Be Peace/Practice Kindness in 2019 and Live, Love, and Learn to Let Go in 2020. Last year (2021) I chose: Be Still, Wait, and Listen.
How can we practice an intention? I try to bring it into all parts of my day and into my actions. I bring the intention to my mind during meditation and especially when I am using the tool of writing. Whenever I begin a new page in my journals, I write my intention at the top. On my walks I bring the rhythm of the words into my mind and sometimes even say them out loud. When I spend time in my yard and amongst my trees, I try to have ‘lightness in my heart’. I share about my intention in my home meeting. It is an intention that reminds me to be grateful and share joy. When I am reading the OA literature or other spiritual help books, I look for the words light and lightness.
Having an intention is another gift I’ve received from the Overeaters Anonymous program. It helps me grow in recovery and realize the spiritual gifts in all areas of my life.
Lesley K. - Region One