Living a Life of Intention

At the heart of Science of Mind lies a powerful truth: thought is creative. We are not passive recipients of life, but active participants in shaping it through consciousness. This week, I’ve been reflecting deeply on a term shared by a visiting shaman who recently spoke at our center. He described himself not by his title or tradition, but by his intention. “I am an Intentionist,” he said—and something in that landed deeply.

An Intentionist is someone who moves through life deliberately, choosing their thoughts, words, energy, and presence with purpose. They understand that how we show up in the unseen realms of thought and consciousness is just as important as what we do externally. In Science of Mind, we are taught that “There is a Power for Good in the Universe, and we can use it.” An Intentionist uses that Power with reverence—not to force outcomes, but to align with Truth.

Purpose and intention are deeply connected.

Purpose is the soul’s call—a deep, often enduring reason for being. It’s the inner flame that lights our path, even when we’re not sure of the destination. Purpose gives life meaning and direction. It’s overarching and spiritual in nature.

Intention is the daily compass—the moment-by-moment choice to align our thoughts, words, energy, and actions with that purpose. While purpose is the foundation, intention is the practice.

In Science of Mind, we say: “Principle is not bound by precedent.”

Purpose is rooted in Principle—unchanging and eternal. Intention is how we consciously use the Law to embody and express that Principle in ever-unfolding ways.

Here’s a simple example from spiritual life:

Purpose: To awaken love in myself and others.

Intention: Today, I will speak kindly to myself and choose to see the divine in each person I meet.

Intention brings purpose out of abstraction and into embodiment. You could say that purpose is your why, and intention is your willingness to live it on purpose.

As Ernest Holmes writes:

“There is a divine urge within, forever pressing us forward to the goal, a divine pull which forever draws us back to the Source.” (Purpose)

“The way to work is to begin right where we are and, through constantly applying ourselves to the truth, gradually to grow into the understanding of who and what we are.” (Intention)

As a community, we are currently listening for our evolving purpose. We are in the sacred in-between—a space of inquiry, faith, and becoming. We may not have every word clearly defined yet, but we have something just as powerful: a shared willingness to walk in alignment with what Spirit is revealing. As that purpose continues to unfold, our daily intentions—individually and collectively—become the spiritual practice that grounds and grows us.

You are already intending—your life is the echo. The question is not if you’re an intentionist, but how conscious you are willing to become about what you’re planting.

Let this week be your invitation to reflect:

What is my soul’s deeper “why”?

What intention can I set that brings that purpose into motion?

How might my daily energy help create a center and a life that reflects this sacred aim?

You are not here by accident. You are not praying, speaking, or becoming by accident.

This is the life of intention—and it’s already unfolding in you.