“ ‘Attention energizes and intention transforms,’ Chopra says. ‘Whatever you put your attention on will grow stronger in your life. Whatever you take your attention away from will whither, disintegrate and disappear.’
‘Intention, on the other hand, triggers transformation of energy and information. Intention is the real power behind desire. It is actually desire without attachment to the outcome,’ he adds.
What we put our attention on grows in our lives. Once you hear a faucet dripping, can you think of anything else? It’s a tiny droplet of water but that sound can become all consuming, especially if you’re trying to sleep.
Intention can put things in motion. It can be as simple as beginning to tell a few friends you’re looking for a new job or posting to Facebook asking who can help you with an idea you have. Or just having your eyes open for opportunities so you can say yes when they appear.
‘Intention on the fertile ground of attention has infinite organizing power,’ Chopra says. Because what you put your attention on grows, Chopra suggests you simply refuse to put your attention on obstacles. Keep your focus on your intent, realizing that of course part of getting there will be problem solving through some challenges, but don’t fall into the trap of focusing on them.
‘Imaginary obstacles, which are more than 90 percent of obstacles, disintegrate and disappear,’ Chopra says. ‘The remaining obstacles become opportunities through intention.’
How to put the law of intention and desire into practice:
- Make a list of your desires. Carry this list with you. Look at it before meditating, before you go to sleep at night and when you wake up in the morning.
- Release this list of desires. It’s not easy to both want something and not get attached to wanting it, but trust that when things don’t seem to go your way, there is a reason. Look for the seeds of inspiration in those challenges.
- Remain in self referral. Don’t let yourself be influenced by the opinions and criticisms of the world. Don’t look at yourself through the eyes of others.”