Intention: Does it Matter?

I wish I were smart enough to understand quantum physics.  But alas, even simple math eludes me.  I’d really like to understand the theories about frequencies and waves and particles, though, because I think they are connected to the idea of “intention.”

Intention has become popular lately because of The Secret and The Laws of Attraction.  The notion isn’t new, though.  In the documentary What the Bleep Do We Know? (www.whatthebleep.com) the filmmakers present a brief history of metaphysics and spirituality, covering old and new thought on neurology,  molecular biology, and physics to show that we create our own universe.

One of the presenters in the movie was Dr. Masaru Emoto (www.masaru-emoto.net).  He wondered about the effects of words, music, and even environmental location on water.  He exposed water to words like “thank you” and “love” (written on paper and placed under the container of water).  Then he observed the frozen crystals of that water to see if the various stimuli would have any effects on it.  Here is what the water looked like when shown the word “wisdom,” for example:

water crystal of dr. masaru emoto

Wisdom (from masaru-emoto.net)

When the water was exposed to words like “you disgust me” or when it was taken from polluted areas, though, the crystals were deformed.  Dr. Emoto concluded that since we humans are mostly water, when we think badly of ourselves or expose ourselves to unhealthy conditions, we are “deforming” ourselves in a similar way.  But by thinking of the positive, we will create beauty in ourselves.

I am not qualified to speak to the scientific authenticity of Dr. Emoto’s work.  But I do wonder if it is so simple as that?  I would love it if it were.  I think that perhaps one’s intention is only part of the equation.  If it were as simple as “think good thoughts and good things will come to you,” then I’m guessing a lot more of us would be rich and happy and peaceful.

Maybe the concept of “for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” comes into play here too.  It can’t all be sunshine and roses, right?  There is no growth without friction, right?  Just ask a diamond.

Maybe I am misunderstanding the concept of intention, but it seems to me that there is the danger of “blame and shame” too.  What happens if you attempt “good intentions” but it goes awry somehow?  Does that mean you messed up and did it wrong?  Did you not believe hard enough?  Did it fail because you are unworthy?  Then “intention” just becomes another way to feel badly about ourselves.

What do you think?  Are good intentions enough?  How do someone else’s intentions come into play?  Do you get back what you put out there?  Have you ever asked for something and NOT gotten it back?  Was there a silver lining in the thing that you got instead?