Attention. Is Energy.
Where Attention Goes, Energy Flows
Where Attention Goes
Energy Flows
This principle is well illustrated with a simple analogy. Imagine your awareness, as a glowing ball of light. You can consciously move it around in the vast space of your mind. Dandapani explains that by directing your awareness to specific areas of the mind, energy is channeled there, leading to the growth and strengthening of those areas.
He emphasizes that energy, like water, is non-discriminatory; it will nourish whatever it is directed towards, be it positive or negative areas of the mind. For instance, if someone frequently directs their awareness to anger, the angry part of their mind becomes more potent and magnetic, making it easier for their awareness to be drawn there in the future. Conversely, focusing awareness on positive aspects like happiness or optimism strengthens those areas, making them more dominant in one's personality.
The video also touches on the concept of neural pathways and how repeated patterns of thought and behavior, whether conscious or unconscious, become deeply ingrained in the brain. This is likened to physical movement patterns, where poor posture due to habitual sitting can lead to poor recruitment patterns in the body, requiring intentional retraining of the brain to correct.
The phrase "Where attention goes, energy flows" encapsulates the idea that our ability to intentionally direct our focus is the key determineing factor in our development. By consciously directing our awareness, we have the opportunity to cultivate the qualities and states of mind we intentionally choose, shaping our mental landscape and, by extension, our life experience.
"Where Attention Goes, Energy Flows"
Introduction: In a world teeming with distractions, understanding the power of focus is more crucial than ever. The age-old adage, "Where attention goes, energy flows," is not just a catchy phrase but a profound truth that can transform our lives. This principle, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and validated by modern psychology, holds the key to personal growth and fulfillment.
The Science of Focus: At the heart of this concept is the understanding that our mind is a fertile ground where seeds of thought, once planted and nurtured, grow and flourish. Neuroscience tells us that repeated thoughts and actions forge neural pathways in our brain, making certain behaviors and thought patterns more dominant over time. Just as a gardener tends to their garden, we must tend to our mental landscape, carefully choosing where to direct our attention.
The Power of Choice: The beauty of this principle lies in its simplicity and the empowerment it offers. Each moment presents a choice – where to focus our awareness. By deliberately choosing to focus on positive, constructive, and growth-oriented thoughts, we channel our energy into building a mindset that supports our aspirations and values.
Practical Steps for Mindful Focus:
Awareness Training: Begin by becoming more aware of your thoughts. Mindfulness practices such as meditation can help in developing this awareness. Without awareness, energy can not be directed for healing.
Intentional Focus: Consciously direct your attention to areas that you wish to develop or strengthen. Whether it's learning a new skill, nurturing a relationship, or cultivating a positive trait, your focused attention will fuel its growth. I focus on my beating heart, or my breathing.
Consistency is Key: Just like physical exercise, mental focus requires regular practice. Make a habit of directing your attention to your chosen focus areas daily. I do this as I wake up, and as I go to sleep.
Navigating Distractions: Inevitably, distractions will arise. Acknowledge them, but gently redirect your focus back to your chosen area. Increase the friction to obtain dopamine distractions like your phone. Mine charges in my office at night.
Conclusion: "Where attention goes, energy flows" is not just a phrase but an obvious guiding principle lost in the noise of today’s media. By mastering the art of focused attention, we become architects of our mental landscape, shaping our thoughts, behaviors, and ultimately, our destiny. Let us harness this power, one focused thought at a time, to build a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
It seems I’m prone to write about topics which are not easily covered in a 5-10 minute article. However, I have some personal time requirements coming up so I’ll be pre-writing a few lighter articles about several sources of wisdom that give me great peace and comfort. I hope you find these as help as I do!
This is another way of saying: “You become what you think about”