July 10th, 2018
"Intention" vs "Out-tension"
Oftentimes, when we think we are setting an intention, what we are actually doing is setting an "out-tension."
Allow me to explain.
An INtension is about one's own Self. In is centered in what we can control and is rooted in acceptance of what is. It is about the process and the journey. It is flexible. It is about aligning ourselves with our values and integrity. It is self-directed, inspiring, rooted in personal empowerment and peace.
An OUTtention, on the other hand, is about things outsides of ourselves. It is about changing external circumstances and controlling events and people. It is focused on altering the outside in an attempt to make it feel more tolerable rather than undergoing the process of personal evolution, growth, and metamorphosis. It is outcome focused, conditional, and often removes us from the present. It is rigid.
As you go about setting intentions in your own life, check in with yourself using what I've described above to figure out whether they are actually out-tentions.
If you identify an out-tension, dig a little deeper - there is often an intention lying underneath it. In other words, you can ask yourself what need - or wish or hope or desire - you are trying to meet with the out-tension.
For example, if your identified out-tension is to get a promotion, some needs underlying could be:
- Need to be recognized/ validated for your work (Could you work on recognizing/ validating yourself?)
- Need to engage in meaningful/ fulfilling work (In what ways could you bring meaning/ fulfillment to your current role? Could you take initiative to ask for projects that better suit your interests and goals? Is it time to apply for another job and transition to a different company?)
- Need to provide for yourself/ your family (In what ways could you supplement your current income right now?)
There are many more examples, of course.
Remember, an INtension begins from the INside and is rooted from withIN.
And there lies the power and the magic needed for transformation.
What are some intentions (or out-tensions) you have set for your life recently? How has it (they) been going?
"Intention" vs "Out-tension"
Oftentimes, when we think we are setting an intention, what we are actually doing is setting an "out-tension."
Allow me to explain.
An INtension is about one's own Self. In is centered in what we can control and is rooted in acceptance of what is. It is about the process and the journey. It is flexible. It is about aligning ourselves with our values and integrity. It is self-directed, inspiring, rooted in personal empowerment and peace.
An OUTtention, on the other hand, is about things outsides of ourselves. It is about changing external circumstances and controlling events and people. It is focused on altering the outside in an attempt to make it feel more tolerable rather than undergoing the process of personal evolution, growth, and metamorphosis. It is outcome focused, conditional, and often removes us from the present. It is rigid.
As you go about setting intentions in your own life, check in with yourself using what I've described above to figure out whether they are actually out-tentions.
If you identify an out-tension, dig a little deeper - there is often an intention lying underneath it. In other words, you can ask yourself what need - or wish or hope or desire - you are trying to meet with the out-tension.
For example, if your identified out-tension is to get a promotion, some needs underlying could be:
- Need to be recognized/ validated for your work (Could you work on recognizing/ validating yourself?)
- Need to engage in meaningful/ fulfilling work (In what ways could you bring meaning/ fulfillment to your current role? Could you take initiative to ask for projects that better suit your interests and goals? Is it time to apply for another job and transition to a different company?)
- Need to provide for yourself/ your family (In what ways could you supplement your current income right now?)
There are many more examples, of course.
Remember, an INtension begins from the INside and is rooted from withIN.
And there lies the power and the magic needed for transformation.
What are some intentions (or out-tensions) you have set for your life recently? How has it (they) been going?
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