This intention appeared to slip away for much of the day. Yet, just now I’m realizing that some interesting things showed up. I took a short walk from my office and stopped into an art store just for a break. I found it meditative to simply look at the art supplies mindfully. Before I left I signed up for an afternoon watercolor class. It will be my first. I also purchased an essential oil candle to use in my counseling office. So it turns out that I did put the intent for the day to work. I plan to take this intention into tomorrow.

I’m just starting my day and will return to reflect on this intent tonight. This particular intention is an excellent practice to develop focus and intervene on anxiety. I’ve already started. I took a moment to focus my attention on my coffee mug and then choose to be engaged and interested in my coffee mug. Now, what is it that I notice about the coffee mug that I appreciate? I notice that it was made locally and I appreciate the effort of the artist who made it. I also appreciate having the opportunity to support a local artist. I’m also noticing the calming and warm colors of the mug. I leave this mug on my desk even when I’m not using it. The mug by itself adds some aesthetic value to the desktop.

I will return to this practice tonight.

What I noticed today is that giving my full attention to what’s going on inside me and around me throughout the day is a challenge. Paying attention is truly a skill and one that requires ongoing practice. I was often distracted today and forgot the intent for the day. Yet, it was placed in conscious this morning and I found myself returning again and again to the practice.

I noticed that I was more attentive to my wife to the point of paying attention to the tone of my voice, volume and supporting her in having some time alone. I also made it to the gym, had a short bike ride, and worked on a lesson for a program I’m in. I also paid more attention to acknowledging my wife and greeting people I met at church this morning.

I wish I could write that I practiced intent throughout the day, but I often forgot about it. Again, starting the day with the intention and writing about it put it into conscious.