Deep Intention and What Really Matters

<p>After doing this work for over 2 decades, I’ve noticed that after people join a program, about a third of the people will loose their mojo after a certain amount of time. This is normal, especially in online programs. Now, of the folks that choose to stay, some will plateau for a while (which is also expected and fine!) and some will keep unfolding and staying engaged in the process.</p><p> </p><p>While there’s nothing wrong with a good plateau, and it’s a very natural part of growth, for the folks that tend to have a <i>shorter</i> plateau period I’ve noticed they are in touch with a kind of devotion - a deep intention or dedication to waking up, which energizes them and keeps them engaged in the work and committed.</p><p> </p><p>Deep intention is about moving <i>toward</i> our deepest potential that is already there within us; manifesting the reason we are here in this life. It’s that deep longing - the call to adventure I’ve spoken about in past episodes. </p><p> </p><p>One of the Jataka tales - mythical teaching stories of the many lives of the Buddha - tells of a “good merchant” living in Northern India. One afternoon while working, he sees a beautiful, luminous person walking across the town square.</p><p> </p><p>The merchant had never seen someone radiate compassion in such a way, and instantly knew that he wanted to serve them and the path of compassion. So he prepares a tray of ripe fruit and tea to offer as nourishment and steps into the daylight toward the Luminous One.</p><p> </p><p>Suddenly, daylight turns to darkness, a gash appears in the earth between him and the Luminous One, and he sees these horrifying demons. This is Mara, who tells him things like, “Go back; it’s too dangerous for you! This way is not for you. Go back to the life you know.”</p><p> </p><p>And right as the merchant is about to give in to his fear and turn around, he remembers his longing for love and freedom - his devotion to waking up. </p><p> </p><p>And that aspiration is stronger than any warning voice. So he focuses inst