Seeds We’re Planting: Setting Intentions Through Art

Goals vs. Intentions

As the seasons begin to shift, March offers a natural pause. The light lingers a little longer. The snow begins to thaw. Beneath the surface, something is stirring. Rather than revisiting rigid goals or forgotten resolutions, this time of year invites us to reconnect with something more sustainable: our intentions.

Goals are often outcome-driven. They ask, What will I accomplish? What will I complete? Intentions are value-driven. They ask, How do I want to move through my life? Who do I want to be? While a goal might be to run a marathon or earn a promotion, an intention might be to cultivate resilience, creativity, or compassion.

Intentions are an orientation to life, not a fixed arrival point. They are ongoing. They require tending rather than achieving.

Like seeds, intentions do not bloom overnight. They need attention, patience, and care. When nurtured over time, they can yield something far richer than a checkmark— they can deepen self-trust, alignment, and self-esteem. In this way, intention-setting becomes less about striving and more about planting.

Collage as Symbolic Planting 

Art practices offer a powerful way to work with intentions because it allows them to move from abstract ideas into images and form. Collage — often called a “vision board” — is one meaningful method.

When we gather images and words that resonate with our intentions, we begin to externalize what matters most to us. The act of choosing, arranging, and placing images becomes a symbolic planting process: selecting the seeds, preparing the soil, deciding what belongs in this season of growth. Collages create something we can see and return to. 

To begin, gather simple materials: scissors, glue, a blank sheet of paper, and magazines, newspapers, or printed materials destined for recycling. Before cutting anything out, pause, and ask yourself: What quality or value am I hoping to cultivate right now? 

As you flip through your materials, notice what draws your attention. An image or word may resonate unexpectedly. Trust your instincts, and cut or tear out anything that feels aligned with your intention. You can glue pieces down as you go or wait until you’ve gathered several and arrange them at once. 

When finished, you’ll have created more than a vision board. You will have made a visual reminder of the direction you wish to grow. Consider placing it somewhere visible as an invitation to consider returning to your intention. Growth is rarely linear, and seasons change slowly. But each time you return to your collage, you water the seeds you’ve planted.

Written by: Mads Hemphill