"To transform the world, we must begin with ourselves, and what is important in beginning with ourselves is the intention"

Changing the world might seem like a monumental task, but it all starts with a simple idea: we need to start with ourselves. Think about it. The essence here is that if we want to see a big change out there, we've got to first make changes within us. It's like trying to build a house from the roof down—it just doesn't work. The foundation is us, our intentions, our actions. And at the heart of this transformation is our intention. What drives us? What's the reason behind our actions? That's where the magic begins.

This idea isn't new. It's been echoed throughout history countless times. Think back to the 1960s, a period of immense social change. Civil rights movements, anti-war protests, and a general awakening to the importance of human rights and justice. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. exemplified this belief. King didn’t just preach about equality and love; he lived it. His intention was clear—nonviolent resistance to achieve equality. He knew that for his message to resonate and bring about real change, he needed to embody the very principles he championed. His personal commitment and clear intention inspired millions and changed the course of history.

But you don’t need to be a historical figure to see this in action. Imagine a workplace where the team is struggling with low morale and poor communication. Now, think of one person who decides to change this. Maybe it's you. You start by being more positive, listening more, offering help, and showing appreciation. At first, it might feel like a drop in the ocean. But slowly, others notice. Your intention to foster a better environment spreads. A colleague starts following your lead, then another. Before you know it, the whole team dynamic shifts. That’s the power of starting with yourself and having a clear intention.

So how do we apply this wisdom in our daily lives? Start small. Reflect on your intentions. Why do you do what you do? Is it for personal gain, or is there a deeper purpose? Once you’re clear on this, align your actions with these intentions. If you want to promote kindness, start by being kind in your interactions. If you believe in honesty, be transparent in your dealings.

Imagine this scenario: you're a parent wanting to instill good values in your children. You tell them about the importance of kindness, respect, and hard work. But life gets busy, and sometimes you snap at them, show impatience, or cut corners. Your intentions, while good, aren't aligning with your actions. Kids notice these things. But if you consistently model the behavior you wish to see—showing patience, acting kindly, working diligently—they're likely to follow suit. Your clear, consistent intention becomes the catalyst for the values you hope to instill.

In essence, transforming the world is like throwing a stone in a pond. The ripples start small, but they spread outwards, touching everything in their path. Start with yourself. Check in on your intentions. Align your actions. And watch how the world around you begins to change. It might not be immediate, and it might not be grand, but every small change adds up. And really, that's how revolutions begin—with a single, intentional step.