In the flow you freely hold both attachment (desire) and detachment (intent). From this space flow the strokes of your artful gift.

Choice is internal. Decision is external. Too often we make decisions without the foundation of choice. A decision must be in service to a choice; and our choices must honor the true self.

If we learn to handle our own souls tenderly and lovingly, then we’ll be able to carry this same loving wisdom into the world outside. −Richard Rhor, Simplicity (2003)

Desire & Intent become one in the flow, one in our way of being. Desire drives choice. Intent drives decision. We have the power to bring Desire & Intent into the flow, but only thorough awareness. The energy of your gift is carried and renewed in this flow.

Desire can become controlling (attachment) if it does not connect with intent (detachment). When desire connects through intent, it detaches from and simply flows free in the present; Desire & Intent then flows with purpose.

Several years ago, while awaiting the arrival of lifelong friends, I sat on the lodge porch and wrote a piece entitled, A Non-Anxious Presence. From that piece: While focus is one of the most sought after treasures of the 21st Century, one must be careful in obtaining it. It is true that what you focus on grows. Just be certain that what gets your focus is good. I wonder, does something get our focus or is our focus captured. Maybe that is the safety mechanism−be sure your focus is captured.

It takes precious energy to be captured by the flow (and not drown in the process) … and:
1) Yes, you have a gift for the world.
2) This gift is energized by how you give to self.
3) Fueled by this internal charity, your gift flows with each moment.

See companion post, A Shift with Expectation