Intentions are desires set into motion by conscious action. To set about something and see it manifest is the greatest thing! Yet expectation that things will turn out as planned is a trap and will lead to disappointment and suffering.
Setting intentions is first. Making plans is second. Plans are just vehicles to get you mobile, not absolutes to hook your star to. The very best things happen when your plans go awry. Now you know you are in the hands of providence and you have placed yourself there intentionally.
“Life is pure adventure. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we will treat life as art” Maya Angelou. This is my motto. Thank you, Maya.
It seems I am off the Life Change Stress Scale (Holmes and Rahe). A score of 300 gives a 90% chance of developing illness. I score 320! Fortunately I did not know this when I awoke with excruciating hip pain, after a week in which I broke my toe, had a first migraine headache in ages and other ailment which had not arisen since forever.
It is all opportunity to work with pain, to work with healing, to work with mind. Welcome to my home, vulnerability.
My intention, as a student at Naropa, is to live beginner’s mind, to learn skillful means in working with suffering and pain, mine and others’. With beginner’s mind, every lesson is fresh and free from self applause or self aggression. Like a child, I am awed by the moment to moment happenings (happiness and happen come from the same root word, “hap” meaning to come about by chance).
I met an angel today who offered me body work and touched me deeply. Another angel, from my cohort, and her children, today invited me to be family and to offer me TLC. Their sweetness is salve to my loneliness.
In my vulnerability, I am receptive to friendship, love and healing powers all around – connected to the source of happiness – and grateful.
Great Heart Blog 
Hi Judy, may your stress and pains fade away soon and your toe heal quickly. In all seriousness, I just have one word for you…”chill.” I know you will get back into the flow of life soon and be clearer. It sounds like you are surrounded by good people. Those of us farther away are also thinking of you and for you. Lee
Well, Lee, thank you for pointing at the truth. 🙂 The body doesn’t lie, and when listened to, teaches me wisdom. Consider me now, happily water coloring in my living room with a six year old friend, quietly, jazz radio in the background, doors open, promise of autumn on the breeze. Chillin’ indeed. Sending you such fond feelings of gratitude for your friendship.