As the new year dawns, many of us find ourselves reflecting on what lies ahead. This episode of the Conscious Classroom Podcast with Amy Edelstein, “Inspiration, Illumination & Intention,” offers a different approach to traditional will-driven resolutions, showing how instead we can embrace setting intentions that we care about, that are deeply aligned with our true selves. This shift from resolution to intention marks a transformation in how we approach personal and collective goals.

Intentions are powerful because they connect us to our core values and aspirations. Aligning our actions with these intentions can lead to meaningful change, both personally and in the wider world. By visualizing our deepest aspirations, we create a kind of “tractor beam” that pulls us towards our desired outcomes. This approach is not about passive hope but rather active engagement. As we reflect and reify our cares, it guides our actions and responses in life.

Amy looks at young people and culture changes, some behaviors that are becoming norms and what we can do to be more conscious about our defaults.

Inspiration, the episode suggests, is not something that exists outside of us. It is an inner posture, a perspective that we cultivate through practices like meditation and maintaining boundaries. By nurturing this inner inspiration, we become more resilient in the face of life’s challenges, able to engage with life rather than retreat from it. This approach allows us to contribute to the inherent goodness in the world, fostering a sense of connection and positivity even in difficult times.

As we journey through the year, the podcast invites us to continually refine our intentions, calibrating them with precision and openness. This alignment is crucial, especially in a world filled with challenges such as wars, natural disasters, and societal issues. Our inspiration and orientation to life can be a guiding force, helping us navigate these challenges with courage and resilience.

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