"In the Universe there is an immeasurable indescribable force which the Shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link."
Carlos Castaneda

All of our deepest intentions are always manifested in reality. Therefore, it is essential to know that we are clear about our intentions so that we manifest what we truly desire.

Perhaps you are choosing between potential solutions to a question or to a challenge you are currently experiencing. Maybe you are feeling confused by a situation, person, or decision at this time. Or you could be at a major crossroads in your life and wondering-"Which path should I take?"

The 7 steps to incorporate: 1. Becoming silent and receptive 2. Defining the qualities you desire to experience. 3. Being aware of any inner resistance 4. The question of contribution 5. How your decision affects others 6. A technique to check in with your intuition 7. Asking for inner guidance from your higher self

Step 1 Inner Silence: Many of you already have a habit of going within and being silent or meditating. For those of you who do not practice this at all, or infrequently, you will find that creating silence within is extremely powerful in achieving clarity.

Letting the mind be silent with no distracting thoughts creates space. When you allow space between your thoughts, then you can connect with inspiration. Inspiration may come at the time you are silent, or later on. It may be an entirely new set of thoughts that create just the solution you are looking for. Or someone could relate a message that provides you with clarity around your question.

Silence within also brings a sense of peace. Since stress is often a big factor in most people's lives, inner serenity plays an important role in helping to achieve focus and clarity.

There are many ways to enjoy silence through various forms of meditation. You can practice by finding a quiet place, sitting comfortably in an upright position, and closing your eyes. Take three deep breaths-inhaling peace and exhaling tension. Keep focused on your breath, and gently let go of any distracting thoughts. Take five to ten minutes or longer. With each session, you will find it easier to have a clear mind and to enjoy your inner serenity. You create a "receiving" mode for guidance and inspiration.

Step 2 Understanding the Essence of Your Desires: It is easy to get wrapped up in taking "clear" action toward goals in daily life-only to find that when the goal is realized, it does not afford us the satisfaction and fulfillment we anticipated. Focusing on the deeper qualities we want to experience is a lasting path to happiness.

What are these precious qualities? Several years ago Laura defined her relationship traits as mutual love, trust, joy, adventure, compassion, abundance, passion, and ease and flow in communication. When she met her soulmate/now husband these essences were all realized.

When Grace clarified the essences of joy, creativity, freedom, financial abundance and balance, she received these qualities in her life with her new part-time job. An events coordinator for an international company contributing to culture and education, she was able to work part-time and still spend quality time withr her husband and her child.

Do you have a question, path to take, or situation you would like to clarify? Can you write down the deeper qualities you would like to receive now?

Step 3 Are you feeling resistance? One of the ways that helps me to know if I am experiencing clarity is to check in with my resistance level. You can do this very easily. First ask yourself the question you are pondering, or the decision you are thinking of making.

Now, notice how you feel. Do your sense tension anywhere in the body? Do your feel anxious, worried, stressed or angry? Or do you feel light, open, happy and inspired?

If you feel good, then you can move forward. If you feel uncomfortable, then you can acknowledge how you feel and let it go. Your path still needs some clarity, or perhaps the solution is a question of timing.

Step 4 How does this decision affect others? This question allows you to make sure that others are benefited in a positive way by your actions-if others are involved. For example is this business agreement mutually beneficial for everyone involved? If you are a mother deciding to go back to work or to begin a new career, can you find ways to maintain balance for your family and for yourself?

These answers are not always evident, so check in with your "resistance" level to see if your decision "feels good." You will always feel at ease when a choice reflects your true desires- and benefits others as well.

If you are still feeling confused or conflicted, you may wish to use the Golden Light Technique. Close your eyes and imagine the person or persons affected by your decision bathed in golden light. Send feelings of caring and love to them. You can also put yourself into this light and imagine feelings of joy for everyone involved. This tool helps to lift feelings of confusion and frustration, as well as enabling forgiveness through love.

Step 5 How Can I Contribute? This step considers the higher purpose of your clear intentions. Can you visualize the result of your decision? How can you give to others in an uplifting way? How can your gifts, your passion, your love and creativity contribute to the well being of your family, friends, community or the world at large?

All of us are here to contribute. If your decisions are influenced by your own deep feelings of inspiration, then your follow-up actions will naturally be inspired action-as opposed to motivated or forced action.

One quick way to check these principles is to write on a piece of paper. At the top of the paper in one column write the question, How Can I Contribute? In the second column write What Qualities Inspire Me to Contribute? For example qualities might include: inspiring others to be successful, finding innovative solutions to business challenges, or bringing beauty to the world. Of course your written responses will resonate with your true desires, as well as with your unique gifts and talents.

Intuition Technique

Step 6 Checking Your Intuition: This technique works well to receive clarity for any situation-particularly if you are looking at several possibilities.
Close your eyes and imagine there is a small meter in front of you. There are numbers ranging from 1-10, and an indicator that will be used to stop at a particular number. Now check in with your current feelings of joy. Imagine your meter stopping at a number. This will happen automatically. Let's say it stops at 4, which is a moderate level of joy.

Now ask your self what your level of joy is if you decide to make this decision, or to take a specific action. Notice where the indicator stops. If it is much higher, say 7 and up, this shows positive results. If the indicator is still low, then the decision is not going to bring joy in your life. You may ask the same question using the essences of love or peace, for example.

Asking for Inner Guidance

Step 7 Asking for Inner Guidance: Asking your Higher Self, or Soul, for guidance enables you to receive the highest form of knowledge possible for whatever decision you choose. Your Soul knows exactly what your deepest desires are, as well as the best form for these intentions to manifest for you.

The process of asking the question, being open to the response, and letting go of the outcome is very empowering. You gain extra clarity by letting go of ego control, and you allow ease and freedom because the Universe guides you without fault!

I hope that these seven steps provide you with inspiration on your personal path to clarity.

"In the Universe there is an immeasurable indescribable force which the Shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link."
Carlos Castaneda

www.marciehunt.com Copyright for this article by Marcie Hunt, 2006, 2007. If you would like permission to use this article, including the link to marciehunt.com, please email marcie at: marcie@marciehunt.com