The second factor on the Buddhist eightfold path is Right Intention, also considered to be right attitude or right thought.

So the previous post on right understanding was about clear seeing which opens the mind and heart towards having right intention. This factor often has to do with renouncing our unwholesome habits of thought (like judgement, hatred, greed, ill-will, gluttony, laziness, selfishness, etc.) which can be very strong and deeply rooted based on how we've learned to protect ourselves and cope with life. Often our intentions stem from selfish desires from wanting to seek pleasure and avoid whats uncomfortable. Sometimes these are not actually for our own best interest and self growth, or for those around us.

Have a look at the power of your own intentions within your conversations with others or with yourself. Why are you doing or not doing something or saying or not saying any particular thing? Our intentions can be so subtle, we may completely overlook them, or sometimes they can be quite obvious and easy to read. Sometimes we see our intentions and completely ignore them because the desire to get what we want is stronger than turning inwards and changing our intentions towards what is right and good.

Have you ever been in a lineup and you have snuck into the middle because you don't want to wait at the end? Thats a mild example. How about taking more than your fair share of something because of having a fear of missing out, but perhaps at the expense of another?

We all have an agenda because we all have an ego, which is this self-centred aspect of who we are. You might find that having a spirit of friendliness to others and to yourself makes your intentions more visible. This intention-spotting requires a looking and listening inward, and always asking yourself why am I doing/saying/thinking this?

Having a strong sense of integrity and responsibility and duty towards your experience and your output into your family or community is key towards having a right attitude. Our intentions have to be in harmony with our sincere and authentic being. What is the expression and the impression that you would like to make? Your life is an expression of your intentions. Practicing an intentional sense of gratitude for your experience is a powerful tool to make your spirit shine brighter... not because this brightness is for you, but it's also for others. Having a moral compass and a sense of good-will and non-harm to all beings at centre of your heart motivates how you act.

Thoughts and emotions come and go, but there is an awareness that witnesses all the comings and goings of the heart. This is stable. Intention is something that you set in your heart and practice over and over so that it becomes the theme to your life...like a song or a dance that your heart sings.

Reflect: How do your unwholesome intentions show up? How do your wholesome intentions show up?