Living an intentional life
As the new year begins, many of us find ourselves setting resolutions, envisioning what we want to achieve, and chasing after desires we hope will bring fulfillment. Yet, in this annual tradition, there’s a question worth asking: are we guided by intention, or by desire? The distinction may seem subtle, but it holds profound implications for how we live and grow.
The Difference Between Intention and Desire
Desire often comes with attachment. It says, I will be happy when… or I need this to feel complete. Rooted in future outcomes, desires can create tension and leave us chasing an ever-moving goalpost. Intention, on the other hand, is anchored in the present. It’s a guiding principle that shapes our actions, not because we need a specific result, but because it aligns with our values and purpose.
Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras offer insight into this distinction. In the practice of non-attachment (Aparigraha), we are reminded to let go of clinging to outcomes. This doesn’t mean abandoning effort but trusting that the process itself has value. Living intentionally frees us from the weight of expectations and allows us to engage with life fully, without being bound by the need for specific results.
A Personal Reflection
For me, learning to live intentionally has been a valuable lesson. When I left desires aside and began trusting in a greater benefit, life became less rigid and more fluid. Intention helped me set meaningful goals, but with it came a newfound ease. If circumstances shifted, I found it easier to adapt without losing my sense of purpose. This approach didn’t lessen my effort; it redirected it toward what truly matters.
For example, when I moved to Karpathos, my intention was to live a life rooted in simplicity and service. I didn’t have a fixed idea of what that would look like, and that openness allowed unexpected opportunities to emerge—from cooking for the retreat to leading yoga sessions. The freedom of intention, unburdened by rigid desires, created space for life to unfold naturally.
Actionable Steps for Living Intentionally
Living an intentional life doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a practice, one that asks for mindfulness and reflection. Here are some steps to help:
Clarify Your Values: Ask yourself, What truly matters to me? Write down 3-5 core values that guide your life and let these shape your intentions.
Set Daily Intentions: Begin each day by setting a simple intention. For example: Today, I will approach challenges with patience, or I will be present in my conversations.
Reflect Without Judgment: At the end of the day, reflect on how your actions aligned with your intentions. Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, celebrate the moments when you lived intentionally.
Detach from the Outcome: Practice Aparigraha by focusing on the effort, not the result. Trust that the right outcomes will follow when actions are rooted in integrity and purpose.
Stay Open to Change: Intentions may evolve as life unfolds. Be willing to revisit and adapt them as needed, without losing sight of your core values.
The Freedom of Intention
Living intentionally is not about letting go of goals or ambition. It’s about approaching life with clarity and purpose, free from the constraints of rigid expectations. Intentions provide direction, but they also allow flexibility, making space for unexpected opportunities and growth.
As we step into the new year, consider this: What would it look like to live with intention rather than desire? What small change could you make today to align your life more closely with your values?
The journey toward intentional living is one of trust, presence, and purpose. It’s not about achieving more but about engaging fully with each moment, knowing that the path itself holds meaning. Let’s explore this practice together, one intentional step at a time.