Intention refers to the mental state of focusing one's attention on a specific goal or desired outcome. While research on the neurological effects of intentions is still in its early stages, there have been a few studies that have explored this topic.
One study published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience in 2009 found that setting an intention to perform a specific action led to increased activity in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region associated with planning and decision-making.
Another study published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience in 2012 found that holding an intention in mind led to changes in neural activity in regions of the brain involved in attention and perception, suggesting that intentions can shape the way the brain processes information.
More recently, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports in 2020 found that practicing intention-based meditation led to changes in the functional connectivity of brain networks involved in attention, self-awareness, and emotion regulation.
Other research has focused on the neurological effects of sankalpa, with one study published in the journal Brain and Cognition in 2018 showing that sankalpa meditation led to increased activity in brain regions associated with attention and self-regulation.
While more research is needed to fully understand the neurological effects and benefits of setting intentions, these studies suggest that setting and holding intentions in mind may have measurable effects on brain activity and connectivity. Guided meditation may be particularly helpful for individuals who are new to meditation or who have difficulty maintaining a regular meditation practice on their own. By setting specific goals and intentions, guided meditation may help individuals to stay focused and motivated in their meditation practice.