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I t p a y s t o b e A B M P C e r t i f i e d : w w w. a b m p . c o m / g o / c e r t i f i e d c e n t r a l 111 INTENTION IN PRACTICE First, let me offer a defi nition of intention. I defi ne it as "focused direction," the act of setting our attention on a particular activity or desire. During a session, the focus could be our own mental goal, a client's stated objective, or even the movement of our hands. Whatever we focus on will receive the full benefi t of our energy—body, mind, and soul. The "direction" part of this defi nition means our attention is focused in a direction that will produce the desired result. This defi nition allows a wide range of activities—internal and external—to support physical healing and change. We can select a specifi c direction, such as an anticipated or preferred outcome, or simply direct our energies toward a higher will. Not all formulas work for all people, so this defi nition allows for great professional latitude. Vital to the effi cacy of using intention is knowing that in many cases, establishing a focused direction actually does steer us toward a positive end. This has been validated by hundreds of studies, including those by William Tiller, PhD, a former Stanford professor of engineering who has since written extensively on spiritual energy and human consciousness. In one study, Tiller had meditators imprint electrical devices with the intention to either raise or lower the pH of water. 1 The devices were then sent to a distant location, placed next to a jar of water, and turned on. In every case, Tiller reports, the pH of the water was raised or lowered signifi cantly. In later experiments, Tiller writes that the pH changed more quickly the more frequently the same experiment was conducted in the same space—and after a while the pH changed without any need to use the device at all. If intention can change water, can it do the same to people? Tiller conducted a similar experiment on depressed and anxious subjects, this time sending intentions to subjects who were known to the meditators only by name and address. 2 Results suggested that over time, the subjects receiving the intentions experienced signifi cantly fewer episodes of anxiety and depression compared to the control group. In another study, Tiller left a non-intentionalized device in the presence of a Buddhist relic, with water nearby. There was no statistical difference in the pH of the water over three months. Tiller then had meditators write an intention, asking that the loving kindness of the relic be manifested in this space so that the water's pH could be altered. This time, the water showed a signifi cant upswing in pH. Tiller determined that the clarity of the intention was a key factor. 3 Heartfelt intentions can shift matter and emotions. Perhaps they can even transform DNA: a set of studies conducted in the 1990s by Glen Rein and Rollin McCraty had participants attempt to infl uence a DNA sample in a test tube to wind or unwind its helix while directing feelings of love and appreciation toward the sample. Rein and McCraty reported that, when tested after the experiment, the samples often did reveal winding or unwinding had occurred, and some participants could achieve this effect at a distance of up to one half-mile away from the sample they were asked to infl uence. 4 To focus is to set our attention on a desire or an activity. Whatever we focus on will receive the full benefit of our energy—body, mind, and soul .