The Power of Intent

Sitting quietly each day, focused intently upon that which we wish to manifest in our lives, is perhaps the quickest way to build the life we dream of. It may seem esoteric to create one's own reality, but there is no magic to it. Quantum physics tells us that is how the universe works, and scientific research affirms that we all have this power. Contemporary findings in the burgeoning field of neuroplasticity outline our neurological capacity to change our beliefs, behaviors, and habits directly through applied intent.

“Neuroplasticity simply refers to the fact that the brain is the organ that is built to change in response to experience.” This explanation comes from psychology and psychiatry professor Richard Davidson, a pioneering figurehead in this field:

“We’re learning we can shape our brains in more adaptive and beneficial ways by cultivating healthy habits of mind… When given a challenging situation your brain hasn’t encountered before, it can reorganize and restructure to respond to that situation. The more often your brain is exposed to that new challenge – like learning a musical instrument, for instance – the more it reorganises and makes that path more established… Our brains are constantly being shaped wittingly or unwittingly – most of the time unwittingly…. We’re raising the possibility to intentionally training our brains to improve well-being.”

We each have the capacity to re-wire ourselves at any time by turning our attention to our mind and the stories of fear and failure we tell ourselves... by consciously setting our intent to focus on a simple, positive, present tense statement. By creating such a practice centering on this intention or ‘resolve’, the aim is to choose and then change whatever our driving desire is.

It is not quite enough, however, to repeatedly speak a simple phrase of intent, as with a mantra, such as 'I am confident', 'I am successful', or 'I am happy and in tune with the universe'. An effective intention needs to be truly felt in order to really believe it and manifest it. A good time to focus on intent would be during meditation when one can take the time apart from the world to really feel the change already existing within us.

There is a distinct correlation between the basis of neuroplasticity as a means to train our brain and the practice of focused intent, resting on the idea that we can actively choose and change our motivating drive and desires. But there is another significant element on which they both agree: the mind-body connection.

Neuroplastic research gives evidence of this psycho-physical relationship. In one of Davidson’s aptly titled talks - ‘Transform your mind, change your brain: Neuroplasticity and personal transformation’ - he uses the phrase ‘the embodied mind’ to encapsulate the idea that our minds and brains are not simply supported by a disembodied architecture, but rather there is bi-directional communication between the brain and the body which provides a mechanism for our minds to influence our bodies in ways that may be consequential for health.

It is essential that we actually believe what we intend in the present-tense ‘I am…’ statement, so much so that we feel it in the body. You must physically feel what it is like in that moment to have that asset or characteristic in your life. This phenomenon is perhaps the most integral, if not the most challenging part of the practice. However, as Davidson states, it is bidirectional – therefore if the mind is having trouble believing, then begin with the body.

These words are synonymous with social psychologist Amy Cuddy’s viral 2012 TED Talk - ‘Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are’. This is perhaps one of the best known explanations of how to tap into the embodied mind. Cuddy’s research was motivated by the proposition that when you pretend to be powerful, you are more likely to actually feel powerful. We know that our minds change our bodies, but it is also true that our bodies change our minds.

Essentially, if you play the part, particularly through body language, of a ‘powerful’ or successful person, it is possible to actually influence the body’s physiological processes to line up with this. It appears that another natural consequence of this will be the creation of a new thought pattern or neuroplastic change. The beautiful thing about Cuddy’s research is its emphasis on the body first, so even if you cannot find that state of belief in your mind you can give it a helping hand by playing the part in your body and behavior.

Practicing intent is far less mysterious than it may seem; when placed into a scientific context it is essentially a form of neuroplastic training. The aim is to integrate the wishes of the mind into the neurological processes of the brain, which translates to the functioning and feelings in our body and ultimately is seen in the actions and appearances of us as individuals! The transformation can happen from the top (brain/mind) down, or from the bottom (body/behavior) up. So if stating your desire is not working, try flipping it on its head and let the body guide the mind. It is as much a state of the body, as it is a state of mind. If you have to, simply fake it until you become it.

Adapted from an article by Miranda Weindling on June 13th, 2017, in upliftconnect.com