What do we mean by 'Living Intentionally'?

When I look back over my TSI journal, I notice threads and themes that wind their way across the pages... words, phrases, and images stand out to me. Some of these were themes I noticed at the time, others have only made themselves apparent within the space I have had to reflect.

One word and theme that was very present for me throughout my time at the Institute was 'intentional'. (It is written all over my journal - underlined, highlighted, or with stars surrounding it!) I listened to Lois and Amanda talk about the very intentional things they do at their circle meetings to ensure they communicate the hospitality of their groups. I attended Tom's session about 'Intentional Invitations'. I hosted a session myself where we explored the way we use intentional behaviours to communicate to people that they should talk to the person we are supporting, not to us, if they want to know about that person or (for instance) to make plans with them.

I am intersted to hear if other people found this to be a strong theme at TSI09? And, if you have been to the Institute before, is it a recurring theme? If so - is there much written about this? (I'd be fascinated to read about it)... If not - I wonder what it was about the specific group we were, that lead to this word dominating my journal!

Becki suggested I set up this page. I'm glad she did - I look forward to hearing your thoughts...

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Voigt on July 23, 2009 at 5:36pm

This was my first time at TSI, so Ic an nto answer from the perspective of annual themes, or if it is recurring each time, each group. I do agree however that this has become a stamp imprinted in the forefront of my mind throughout the workshops, and since returning from the institue.

I like to think (I did before attending TSI) that I am an intentional person. That actions taken and words chosen are delicately placed into positions because I have control over how and when they are put there.

I do feel intentionality is key in the work we as any form of human service or human connectors do. I also feel that there is a huge lack of intentionality as we as a population tend to allow things to float out and not always with thought occurring beforehand.

I also value that it takes quite a lot of time and restraint to not react, but rather position ones' self readily intentional. This is not entirely something I feel I am capable of doing 100% of the time, but rather I try to do it (Intentionally try to be intentional???). I feel if we commit to trying to live itnentionally, or live more intentionally that we can create less negative chaos and more positive interaction between all parties.

I enjoy that this is a topic of conversation for others to join in as there is so much to it, but rarely do we find others to speak with about it. I also feel it is wonderful that this sprouted from inclusion as I feel it is a definite way to be driven to include and be holistic in relating to others. Fully present, fully encompassing all pieces since intentionality takes a bit more time, a bit more reflection and a bit less reactive communication.

Thank you for the afternoon thought. :)

Permalink Reply by Becki Pauls on July 23, 2009 at 6:48pm

'Living Intentionally' has also been on my mind since the time that we spent together in Toronto at TSI. I was quick to buy into the Shambhala thought that we as people are 'unconditionally good' - but I have to admit that most days, I feel 'unconditionally impatient' and 'unconditionally self-centred.' When I think about being intentional about the way that I live, there are so many areas that I need to focus on. For me, intentionality has broad principle-based implications - but even moreso - for the practical moment by moment decisions that I make.

Linda, I am so glad that you have initiated this group - Thanks for leading this way! I am looking forward to continuing the conversation and making this journey together!

Permalink Reply by Linda Keys on July 24, 2009 at 4:16am

Jacqueline - I love the idea of "less negative chaos and more positive interaction"! I especially enjoy that you specified the negative, as some forms of chaos can be good - perhaps when it is intended? :) I also like what you said about positioning oneself readily intentional, rather than just reacting. I can tell I'll be pondering that for days to come. Thank you!

Permalink Reply by Linda Keys on July 24, 2009 at 4:18am

I'm glad you suggested starting the group, Becki. And, for the record, I never got a sense from you that you are unconditionally self-centred!!

Permalink Reply by Mike Green on July 25, 2009 at 1:45pm

I just got back to e-mail since TSI, and what you say is very important about intention, both individual intention and shared intentions in a group. And I'm thinking about the importance of my having more daily intention. I want to have more a sense of a daily purpose; about "what's important for me today?" and at the end of the day "A review of how it went with my intention?"

Another thing that interests me related to intention is commitment to act. It seems like the threshold for groups becoming powerful community actors is when people have a shared purpose (intention), and then commit to act together towards that intention or purpose.

I love this conversation. Thanks,Mike

Permalink Reply by Deirdre O'Brien on July 25, 2009 at 4:27pm

Thinking of living intentionally- all of us "intentionally" went to TSI'09. We intentionally booked flights/rooms or whatever we needed to attend this gathering of individuals. We wanted to give or receive something. What I learned and keeps going in my mind is "connecting". Human beings need to be connected to thrive and survive. Living alone is not fun. I believe that all of us whether we know it or not are intentional people and Linda has brought it to the forefront of our consciousness. I hope to keep the intentions to the front and be more aware as i walk through life.

Mike Green said:

I just got back to e-mail since TSI, and what you say is very important about intention, both individual intention and shared intentions in a group. And I'm thinking about the importance of my having more daily intention. I want to have more a sense of a daily purpose; about "what's important for me today?" and at the end of the day "A review of how it went with my intention?"

Another thing that interests me related to intention is commitment to act. It seems like the threshold for groups becoming powerful community actors is when people have a shared purpose (intention), and then commit to act together towards that intention or purpose.

I love this conversation. Thanks,Mike

Permalink Reply by Heather Simmons on July 25, 2009 at 8:42pm

Everyone...Thanks for your comments...there's plenty of food for thought there...
I'm struck by what you say Jacqueline about having the intention to be intentional...and I think that's probably where I am...trying to catch myself in the moment and check out my intention. However, if I'm honest, 'the moment' is too late and I needed to have the intention several moments (minutes? hours?) previously for things to be different...so I'm wondering...have I misunderstood this whole business of intention or am I just really, really bad at it!
Can't tell you how much I appreciate this network...I was so sad to miss the TSI and this has meant that I could participate at some level...thank you Ms Keys for galvanising us and to Becki for the great question...we have not met Becki but I hope that it's just a pleasure deferred...

Permalink Reply by Ron Irvine on July 25, 2009 at 10:19pm

Intentionality seems to have an individual meaning and a collective meaning. The power of intention is when your individual intention daily aligns with collective intention. Individual intention related to living a purposeful life, doing things that are well thought out, and will create the outcomes that we intend. Collective intention seems to be sort of a divine intention or synchronicity where as we align our intentions with the collective, we give up our intentions or agenda to the good of the whole. My intention IS that of the whole.

I see living intentionally tied very closely to living authentically from the heart. Living a life of meditation, contemplation, and prayer is how we both learn to live authentically and how we connect to the synchronicity of grace (collective intention). We see this in the deep dialogue circles throughout the conference. The only way to begin this is through meditation as we learned from Alan. Through meditation we become fully present and learn to live authentically, from the source, from the ground of our being. Through meditation we are able to empty ourselves of our thoughts, our agendas, and intentions and open ourselves to the collective attentive attention, presence, and intention of the group. For more on this see: http://openhands.ning.com/profiles/blogs/presence-living-from-the-s...