Create More of What you Want
Let your intention direct your attention
In yoga there is an aphorism “where your mind goes the energy flows.” There is a simple biofeedback device that can demonstrate this. It is a thermometer designed to measure the change in temperature on a finger. By focusing meditatively on this finger, it is possible to increase blood flow/temperture to this area.
You can apply the wisdom of this aphorism in your daily life not just with your body, but also with your daily experiences. What you choose (consciously or unconsciously) to pay attention to in any situation directs your awareness and creates your experience. For example, it you are going to a party and feel self-conscious and let thoughts such as “I don’t look good enough” or “Who is going to want to talk to someone who looks like this” congest your mind, your attention will be focus on just that--looking for signals that other people do not approve. Consider, however, the difference if you were to go to the same party with an intention such as “I will look for one person to connect with on a deep, not just a surface level.” The spotlight of your awareness will be directed on finding just that experience. The circumstances in each example are the same, but you can align your attention with your highest intention for your desired outcome.
One of the easiest ways to start making a shift to create more of what you want is to take a moment to pause as you move through different situations in your day. Simply reconnect with your intention so that during that event your attention is directed accordingly. Another way to get in the habit if directing your attention is by journaling each morning. During this practice, you can imagine the likely situations in your day, and write what your intention is. For example, ”I would like to have a safe and relaxing drive to work; I see myself speaking with confidence at a meeting today; I want to communicate with my son’s teacher in a caring yet assertive manner.”
You can apply the wisdom of this aphorism in your daily life not just with your body, but also with your daily experiences. What you choose (consciously or unconsciously) to pay attention to in any situation directs your awareness and creates your experience. For example, it you are going to a party and feel self-conscious and let thoughts such as “I don’t look good enough” or “Who is going to want to talk to someone who looks like this” congest your mind, your attention will be focus on just that--looking for signals that other people do not approve. Consider, however, the difference if you were to go to the same party with an intention such as “I will look for one person to connect with on a deep, not just a surface level.” The spotlight of your awareness will be directed on finding just that experience. The circumstances in each example are the same, but you can align your attention with your highest intention for your desired outcome.
Our thoughts and beliefs create our perception about a situation, and thus shape our reality. These thoughts and beliefs are re-inforeced by our experience, and then this belief becomes further entrenched in our mind.
One of the easiest ways to start making a shift to create more of what you want is to take a moment to pause as you move through different situations in your day. Simply reconnect with your intention so that during that event your attention is directed accordingly. Another way to get in the habit if directing your attention is by journaling each morning. During this practice, you can imagine the likely situations in your day, and write what your intention is. For example, ”I would like to have a safe and relaxing drive to work; I see myself speaking with confidence at a meeting today; I want to communicate with my son’s teacher in a caring yet assertive manner.”