Actions vs. Intentions (Part II)

The position I took in the last article was one that was very critical of words. I stressed that actions and events are a more honest indicator of someone’s beliefs, intentions, or character, because at least they exist. However, I would like to clarify now that actions in themselves are not honest. A handshake or a kiss can be just as much of a lie as someone saying “trust me” or “I love you.” The key distinction, I propose, lies in the intention behind the action or word. For the sake of simplicity, I will stick to talking about actions, but the same holds true for words. First I’ll define the terms, then I’ll provide examples.

1. essential actions – these are actions you don’t have control over. Most of your life is composed of these actions. They are best described as instincts and reactions.

2. non-essential actions – these are the actions that we do have control over. They are actions we choose to engage in. Even our routines such as brushing our teeth, eating, or fulfilling obligations contain choices. When done out of compulsion and without much thought they are still actions we choose to partake in and can be held in the court of law.

3. intentional actions – These are actions we pay total attention to. They are deliberate and done with intimate attention and focus. These are the things we make a conscious effort of choosing to do. Oddly enough, if done correctly, these actions may resemble “essential actions.” The distinction, however, is that fact that these actions are done on a much higher level of awareness whereas the “normal” “essential actions” don’t even register in one’s mind.

Of course, one could argue that even the non-essential actions are also done consciously, but the distinction I want to make between the two is that the non-essential type of action is a routine, a duty, and done without intimacy, feeling, or attention. The non-essential actions can, of course, slip into intentional actions from time to time such as an intense focus on an exceptionally savory meal. But the point I want to make is that most of the time our actions, even when doing things we intentionally engage in, often aren’t the subject of our focus and therefore lose meaning.

The distinction I’m making is between the non-essential actions we take and the intentional actions we take. To many people, this line is blurred. What I’m saying is this line is clear and people need to think about on which side do their actions lie?

Examples:

1. Prayer – this is a perfect example because prayer actually spans all three actions. To some people, praying is even more an essential action than walking or going to the bathroom. To others, it is more sporadic and “do it when I feel like it” activity. While for others it is a full experience that causes weeping, singing, ecstasy, and the will to kill.

2. Love – also an action that spans all three. Like the love between family, or between couples who no longer celebrate their love, it is often taken as granted, as automatic. Then there is love that is non-essential, played out it tired routines and cliches. And then there is love that is done with feeling, eliciting the same reactions that I listed in prayer.

When you choose to pray, is there a reason? Are you focusing on the words you are saying? Do you mean every single word? When you love someone, are you doing the action just to remain stable in the relationship or to illicit a response from your partner? Or do you do it because you think it’s what you’re supposed to do? Or do you do it because you can’t help yourself due to a burning desire and an insatiable urge? If it is love that is driving you like a motor, unable to stop you even if there is an obstacle, then it is an action done with intention. If you pray because of a sincere desire to talk to God, to feel Him, and to strengthen your understand of Him, then your prayer was done with intention.

The reason why I think this distinction is important because it answers much of the hypocrisy that is seen in religion, relationships, politics, and whatever else is seen as hypocritical. As long as we do everything with awareness, with knowledge of our intentions in our actions, then we can confidently be ourselves. We won’t be hypocritical, we won’t be fake, and we will be satisfied with ourselves. In today’s world where there are so many claims of fraud, superficiality, and hypocrisy, I think looking at the intention behind the action is an indispensable perspective that should become one of our essential actions.

I’m not saying everything should be done with intensity, nor am I saying everything should be done with an intention. Sometimes a meal and even a conversation is better if I’m not paying any attention to it. But certain acts should be done with intention. Otherwise they risk losing their sanctity.

All I’m saying is that the truth of all words and of all actions is strictly determined by the intention behind it. The intention is what’s true. The intention is what’s real. The intention determines the words you speak and the actions you do.


Afterword.
Since the picture accompanying this article may seem confusing, I thought I should provide a quick note to explain. The girl on the right is holding a gun to the girl on the left, which is an action that is assumed to result in death. However, her intention is to seduce her, and not kill her. Therefore, her intention, not her action, determines what is true.