Setting intentions can be immensely powerful any time, but I feel a great pull to do so in the quiet of winter when being mindful in every day tasks seems somewhat easier. I feel as though this prepares me for the overwhelming work, energy and fun of spring; keeping my feet grounded as the family, business and garden all bloom.
Intention can be as simple as setting goals, or just asking ‘why’ around each action or thought.
Why am I making this cup of tea? Because it feels good, it tastes good, it’s soothing to my body and soul. So, I think about that as I scoop the dry herbs into my tea pot and pour the water over them. I set an intention for this tea.
__________________________________________
Supportive Herbs
Skullcap is a wonderful tonic for the nervous system, soothing stress and anxiety while also being neuro-protective.
Peppermint is a gentle stimulant that can help improve memory, cognition and mental clarity.
Gotu Kola reduces stress and anxiety while increasing alertness and improving memory.
Valerian can be sedating, but in small amounts can help to slow those racing thoughts without making us sleepy. Paired with a gentle stimulant like peppermint, it can give us clarity of mind.
Oats are what we call a trophorestorative which means they bring balance to a bodily system. In this case, our Nervous System.
See our blog post on Herbs + Rituals for Intuition as they pair nicely with intention.
__________________________________________
Rituals
Asking ‘why’ behind the big and small actions throughout the day. Maybe journal a few deep on the simplest tasks.
Planning a garden is a beautiful act of intention…planting the seeds for future reward of fruit, vegetable or flower.
Writing down tomorrow’s to-do list before going to sleep tonight so you know exactly what needs doing the next day.
Deciding to get up when you wake up and having an intention on how you’ll spend your morning moments (before checking the phone). Read a book for 20 min? Do some stretching or writing? Go for a walk?
Set an intention around screen time or social media in general. Is it inspiring or educational? Is it fostering community? Be intentional about why, when and how long you log on.
How are you using your time? If you're tired, rest and restore. If you're procrastinating, make and plan and take action. Are you avoiding? Ask why.
Be intentional around the small things like chewing your food, making your tea or coffee, the way you embrace your loved ones, the way you listen, and what you tell yourself before sleep and upon waking.
__________________________________________
Looking to go deeper? We're diving into intention throughout the month of March and will be touching on several topics from small rituals to big ones, from ADHD and micro dosing with Psilocybin.
Stay tuned for more.