The Meaning of Intent in Everyday Life
As the year kicks off, many of us are reflecting on how we want to approach life, what we want to achieve, how we want to grow, and what changes we want to make. Over the past few months, I’ve been meditating on the concept of yì - intent. It’s a word I first encountered in my tai chi practice, but lately, I’ve been realising it’s a concept that applies far beyond the movements of tai chi. It can guide how we live, how we work, and especially how we fill our homes.
Yì is the art of focusing your energy with intention, whether it’s through movement, thought, or action. It’s about being present and mindful in the decisions we make. Turns out, you can’t speed-run tai chi like it’s a video game, much to my disappointment. There’s no ‘combo’ for grace, only intention and practice.
This lesson is something I’ve carried into the way I approach my home too. Just like tai chi, where every movement is infused with purpose, your space can be filled with intention. It’s about making thoughtful choices that align with your values and well-being.
Infuse Purpose into Your Space
This principle can guide how we curate our homes. What do you want your space to say about you? Does it reflect your personal values? Is each item in your home there with purpose, or have you simply accumulated things over time?
I’ve been putting off replacing the storage in my pantry for a while. Finally, I decided to get it sorted and when I went to the mall, I found something interesting, it seemed like every other Aucklander was on the same mission. And the stores were clearly ready for us, every shop was stocked with containers, baskets, and organisers, each one promising to help us start the year with a clean, decluttered slate. I’ve never seen so many people so determined to conquer the chaos of snack packets and rogue spice jars.
Whether it was just because it was what I was focused on so it stood out more, or proof I’d unknowingly tapped into some collective New Years energy, I couldn’t say. Either way, it got me thinking: why do we all feel this collective need to organise? Could it be that, as we begin the year, we’re all yearning for a space that reflects our intentions? When we choose products with intention, we’re not just filling space, we’re creating a home that nurtures us, aligns with our values, and supports our goals.
Create Balance and Harmony
In tai chi, every movement is purposeful, every posture is a choice. Likewise, the way we arrange our homes can affect how we feel in them. Does your space feel balanced? Are your items supporting the energy you want to cultivate in your life?
Just as I’ve been learning that there’s no need to rush in tai chi, I’m also learning to slow down when it comes to curating my home. Instead of hastily adding items to a space, I’m learning to approach it with intention. I ask myself: will this piece bring me peace? Will it contribute to the overall harmony of the room?
Choose What Adds Value and Meaning
Sometimes, it’s easy to fill our homes with things that are trendy or ‘cute’ without thinking about whether they truly serve a purpose. But in my practice of yì, I’ve realised that each item in my home should have meaning and contribute to my daily life.
The concept of yì reminds us that we should be selective in what we bring into our space. Whether it’s a beautifully made vase, a cozy blanket, or a sustainable kitchen item, everything should serve a purpose, both practically and emotionally.
It’s amazing how a ‘cute’ vase can convince you it’s a life necessity. ‘You’ll use me!’ it whispers. But deep down, I know it’ll become the vase equivalent of a gym membership: admired but rarely used. Choose what adds value and meaning to your space.
Let Go of What Doesn’t Serve You
One of the most important lessons in tai chi is about letting go, which is something else I’ve been thinking about. This lesson teaches us that we don’t need to force anything, we simply need to release tension and unnecessary effort to allow for smoother, more intentional movement. This concept can also apply to how we approach our homes.
As I reflect on my own space, I realise there’s a lot I’ve been holding on to, things that no longer serve me, that don’t reflect who I am now. Tai chi teaches us the power of letting go, and I’m starting to apply that to my home.
Decluttering feels like breaking up with items that ghosted you: ‘It’s not you, it’s me. Actually, no, it’s you. You don’t fit, you don’t work, and you’re taking up too much space. It’s not really about perfecting that Instagramable, minimalist vibe, it’s about creating space for things that truly add value.
When you let go of items that no longer align with your values or needs, you free up physical and emotional space. And that space can then be filled with things that truly support your energy and purpose.
Living Intentionally with Your Space
At Strangers Collective, I focus on curating homewares with this same intention. I believe that the items you bring into your home should not only be beautiful, they should support the life you want to create. Whether it’s through sustainability, quality craftsmanship, or simply choosing pieces that reflect your values, living with intention in your home can create a space that nurtures you.
Incorporating yì into your home doesn’t mean transforming everything overnight. It’s a practice, just like tai chi. It’s about taking the time to consider what truly supports you, what aligns with your purpose, and what brings you peace.
Intentional Living, Intentional Spaces
As we move through the year, let's think about how we can live with more intention in our homes. Start small, whether it’s selecting sustainable items, letting go of things that no longer serve you, or curating spaces that help you feel more aligned with your purpose. When you bring intention into your space, you’re creating an environment that fosters balance, peace, and clarity.
Let your home reflect your values and intentions, and in doing so, create a sanctuary that nurtures you through every season of life.
