ABSTRACT
This exercise designed to assist participants in clarifying their intentions through understanding of the behaviors they use to express them. This exercise used quite easily with couples, families, or other groups. Intentions are often unclear, at least consciously. Being aware of true intentions, plus making commitments to future actions, demonstrates that they do live up to their commitments, and builds up trust in relationships. The more specifically the exercise can be tied to behavior; the more likely change will result. This exercise lends itself to role-playing, which can heighten its benefits. The leader may want to develop a catalog of examples of misplaced intentions, and may want to point out some of his or her blunders between intentions and missed communication or behavior. Intentions and actions go hand and hand and should lead to greater self-awareness and improved relationships.
