Road Signs

Pointer photo by Sally Anne Thompson

          In an article for Outdoor Life, Colin Moore wrote, “For as long as anyone can remember, man has always fared better in his pursuit of game when aided by a canine.” As a result of this relationship, three primary types of bird dogs have developed: pointers, flushers, and retrievers. For skill in hunting upland birds such as pheasant, quail or grouse, most people prefer a pointer. This dog’s name comes from the use of its body when game is located. The dog freezes in place while holding the nose, back, and tail in a straight line. The canine becomes an arrow pointing the hunter to the target.
          After we complete and review our personal inventory with a mentor, we will need a type of compass like the pointer. Though we may now see our patterns, have a better understanding of our triggers and can identify our character flaws, we will require more than a list of ‘don’ts’ to make progress. If we find ourselves at a crossroads, we must know the direction that will take us toward what matters the most – recovery. Setting intentions can turn us toward positive actions, not as something to accomplish in the future, but as a choice to make in the present moment right where we stand. These road signs (slogans, spiritual principles and new approaches) can keep us from taking the well-worn, familiar road of old habits. 

For more information on intentions, see this post.

Intentions

Lotus seed pod

          Now that we’ve acknowledged that many of our character traits only compound our problems, what do we do with them? Previously we’ve acted on impulse, led by our emotions instead of logic. When we react this way, we plant seeds that will sprout and further entrench us in this behavior. For instance, every time we gossip about someone to ‘bring them down a notch,’ the easier it becomes and the more normal it seems to keep doing it over and over again. At the moment it often feels good; unfortunately, after the moment passes, we may have to deal with the fallout. Intentions can help us in this regard, as they inspire us to respond with a new, more positive action. Like suddenly realizing we need glasses to see clearly, intentions can provide a pause to allow us to view situations from a different perspective. When we feel that emotional rush to act, we can put on our new ‘glasses’ and consider if what we’re about to do is beneficial to us and others in the long run.  If not, we can consider another option. For every hindrance (negative trait) that causes harm, there is an alternative spiritual principle that heals.  Intended action from this viewpoint may be represented by one of these principles: Service, Persistence, Discernment, Trustworthiness, Compassion, Generosity, Forgiveness, Gratitude, Humility, Courage, Open-mindedness, Faith, Honesty, Mindfulness, Simplicity, Acceptance, Contentment, Kindness, Patience, Justice, Commitment, or Equanimity.

Our motivation to do something is the reason or reasons behind that behavior, the source of our desire and the drive to do it… Intention, on the other hand, is always deliberate, an articulation of a conscious goal. We set and reaffirm our best intentions to keep us inclining in the directions we truly mean to go. 

~ Thupten Jinpa

To see more information on intentions, see this post.