Intention vs. Inspiration
July 8, 2010
In my first blog about Zero Limits I committed to blogging daily this week to help make more clear the purpose and benefits of the spiritual tool described in the book– Self I-Dentity Ho’oponopono.
Specifically, I wanted to share how co-author, Joe Vitale, author of a variety of books which suggest using “intention” or “intending” as a success tool for attracting anything to us in life (health, wealth, careers, relationships, etc.), no longer intends at all. He simply goes straight to “zero.”
He shares:
“This is mind-blowing. Since I wrote about the power of intention in my book The Attractor Factor, and since I spoke about it in the movie The Secret, coming to realize intentions aren’t my choice at all was a shock. It appears that what I thought I was doing when I set an intention was simply verbalizing an impulse already in motion from my brain. The question then becomes, what or who made my brain send the intention?”
In Zero Limits, Vitale looks back on his many successes and realizes that behind each one of them was an inspiration he acted upon and took 100% responsibility for. He elaborates:
“None of them were directly created by me. In fact, what they all have in common is a spirit of Divine planning, with me a sometimes unwilling participant.”
…
“All of those ways (like intentions) have limitations. They are toys your mind plays with to keep you thinking you’re in charge. The truth is, you are not in charge, and the real miracles come when you let go of the toys and trust in a place inside yourself where there are zero limits. Where you want to be in life is behind all of those toys, which is behind the chatter of the mind and right there with what we call the Divine.”
Through spending lots of time with Dr. Hew Len and learning and practicing Self I-Dentity Ho’oponopono, Vitale learned that solely focusing on intending was actually fighting with “what is.” On the other hand, letting go (Ho’oponopono) was giving into the Divine and allowing transformation to happen (what can be…if you listen and let it!).
So, where do tools like affirmations, EFT, visualization, and intentions fit in? Are they worthless?
Absolutely not. I think we can all attest to using these techniques and seeing and feeling positive results in our lives. At the same time, there are many people who use these techniques all the time and don’t get the results they expect. What’s the answer? Why did Joe make this major shift? Why does Joe no longer intend or even set goals?
He explains:
“There are at least three stages in life, beginning with you as a victim, them moving on to you as a creator of your life, and ending — if you’re lucky– with you becoming servant to the Divine. In the last stage, astonishing miracles happen– almost without you trying.”
…
“The other day a reporter asked me, ‘Where do you see yourself a year from now?’ In the past I would have given him a sincere accounting of what I hoped to achieve. I’d talk about my plans, goals, and intentions. I’d tell him about books I wanted to write or things I wanted to be, do, create, or buy. But, because of all the work I’ve done with Dr. Hew Len, I no longer state goals or intentions or make plans for the future. So I instead replied with the truth of this moment: ‘Wherever I’ll be will be far better than what I can imagine right now.'”
This makes sense to me. We will go through our lives and meet many people who will never experience an “awakening.” They may remain stuck forever in victimhood, blame and conflict. Yet, some will awaken out of the victim stage and proceed to the “creator” stage, where they are beginning to take more responsibility for their lives, thoughts, experiences, actions, emotions and energy. Being the creator of your life is a GREAT thing! But, now, I see how much power there is in truly letting go and letting the Divine guide me and speak to me. Everything feels so much easier…like a tranquil ride down a river. Ahhh.
Do you have moments where you feel you’re pushing so hard to achieve something; almost going up-stream, yet never arriving? Can’t it be exhausting? Share your thoughts.
For Joe, when you are at “zero”:
“You begin to realize that your intentions are limitations. You begin to see that with all your newfound power, you’re still not able to control everything. You begin to realize that when you surrender to a greater power, miracles tend to happen. You learn to recognize inspiration when it comes to you, and you act on it. You agree to each moment. Miracles happen, and they constantly astonish you as they do.”
…
“When you come from the zero state where there are zero limits, you don’t need intentions. You simply receive and act. And miracles happen.”
So, I think Joe said this to Dr. Hew Len in the book, and I am claiming it for myself now…
I INTEND TO BE AT ZERO AND LIVE IN INSPIRATION! It’s a start. 🙂
Inspired,
Monique
My Relaxed Book Club will discuss selections from books I feel help high-achieving professionals continue to develop themselves and work on their personal leadership leading to more fulfilled, balanced and successful lives and careers.
July 8, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Well, babe…it’s like this – For me, this totally makes sense. Ho’oponopono keeps the mind from the constant chitchat which in my life and my experience has been a deterrent for spiritual advancement.
In the past, I would take ten steps forward and then a couple backward – all due to the jibjab going on in my head. Now, while practicing Ho’oponopono, everything flows and falls into place as it is meant to. I feel that part of allowing inspiration to guide us is simply accepting that no matter what is going on, it is supposed to be that way.
Remember when not so long ago I mentioned I have never really set goals? I guess that, naturally, my path has developed as it needs to be…
July 9, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Hi Mom! Yes, practicing Ho’oponopono truly relieves that constant chatter, which we know is our conscious mind replaying memories, which most of the time prevent us from moving forward with all of those goals we set out to achieve.
I, too, am finding that I prefer the quiet and inspired moments. It just feels like home. 🙂
xxxooo,
Mo
July 8, 2010 at 11:53 pm
I really like your writings. I’m going to get the book and read it. It sounds intriguing. Keep inspiring people, you do it very well.
July 9, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Debbie,
Thanks so much! Helping inspire others keeps me inspired! I think you’ll enjoy the book, as it has so much great information that is difficult to share in a blog. Let me know how you feel once you read it. My best, Monique.
July 15, 2010 at 2:15 am
I think that Vitale explained it pretty well in that there are stages. First, the victim stage. Then, the creator stage. Then, the servant stage. I’ve never seen it so eloquently stated before, but now having the words, it makes sense. Thank you for posting this.
With Love and Gratitude,
The Intentional Sage
July 15, 2010 at 1:17 pm
Dear Friend,
Thanks for visiting and reading. I couldn’t agree with you more. I had a deep “aha” moment when Vitale shared this in Zero Limits. It gives us an appreciation for the journey we are one, our growth, and being excited about getting to Zero and all of the beauty that happens there.
Love and Light,
Monique