setting a one word intention for 2012

mindfulness

That’s my word for 2012.  I first heard about setting a one word intention last year from LobotoMe.   It intrigued me.

I found power in its simplicity.

One word.

Easy to remember, easy to focus on.

Last year I chose the word  ”balance.”

Looking back I have to say it worked like magic for me.  I even found a bracelet witht the word ”balance” on it, seen above.  I wore it every day.  Is my life in perfect balance?  No, but I’m much closer than I was a year ago.  There is a great deal more balance between my work and play, me and my family, quiet time and busy time.

In choosing a new word, I don’t feel as though I’m chucking “balance” out the window.  It’s more like I’m adding mindfulness to my newly found balance.   I believe mindfulness will enhance and increase the balance in my life.  I wonder if I’ll be able to find a bracelet or necklace with “mindfulness” on it?

Other words that I considered this year were:

Yoga, because I really want that to become a daily practice for me.

Breathe.  I’ve noticed that when I take the time to breathe, I am calm, aware, and much more purposeful in my actions and words.   Breathing allows me to focus.

Purposeful.  I want to feel as though my thoughts and actions have a thoughtful intent behind them.  Not randomly reacting to what is going on, but thoughtfully remembering what it is I really want in each moment.

In the end, mindfulness won out.  So many times this past year I ate food without noticing, or brushed off some disciplines I want to cultivate in favor of instant gratification without thinking through the results of my choices. I want to make decisions and act out of mindfulness, hopefully in awareness of what I’m doing, in each moment.

Here are a few definitions of mindfulness:

1.  the trait of staying aware of (paying close attention to) your responsibilities.

2. “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way;

On purpose,
in the present moment, and
nonjudgmentally.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

3.   Mindfulness refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment.

This is different for me than a resolution.  It’s a year long mindset.  Mindfulness is the compass direction in which I will sail my boat in 2012.

How about you?  Have you ever chosen one word for the year?  What might be a one word intention you could set for yourself in 2012?

We just started our January Doodle.  Won’t you consider joining us in starting the year by doing what we really want and love to do?  It’s free and fun and it’s so much easier with friends doing along with you.

Kel