The Principle of the Power of Attention
When you give your attention to a thing your life energy feeds into that, your attention makes the connection, and on that attention the quality with which you connect comes back into your world.
Jesus knew His mission and the example of the ascension He was to leave to mankind.
He said: “These things I have done ye shall also do”, and in that He also meant the ascension, which is the goal of every lifestream. However, mankind, through the centuries have had their attention on and stressed the crucifixion, which they are experiencing and outpicturing now, instead of the ascension, showing that what the attention is on we draw unto us or become. That is law, a scientific fact.
The principle of the power of attention is a fundamental spiritual law that posits our focus as a powerful creative force. This law, derived from ancient esoteric traditions and affirmed by modern spiritual teachings, emphasizes that whatever we concentrate our attention on, whether positive or negative, is drawn into our lives. Understanding and harnessing this principle is crucial for conscious creation and spiritual mastery.
The Origin and Evolution of the Law of Attention
The concept of attention as a creative force finds its roots in ancient esoteric traditions. Hermetic teachings, for instance, espouse the principle of mentalism, which states that “the All is Mind; the Universe is Mental.” This idea is foundational to the belief that our thoughts and focus shape our reality. Similarly, in the teachings of the Ascended Masters, the act of directing one’s attention is seen as invoking the divine power within to manifest desired outcomes.
Over centuries, spiritual leaders and mystics have recognized and taught the profound impact of focused attention. Theosophy, an esoteric philosophy that seeks to explore the divine wisdom underlying all religions, also highlights the power of thought. Theosophists believe that thoughts are real, tangible entities that influence the material world. This belief underscores the importance of maintaining a positive and constructive mental focus.
Other Names for the Power of Attention
The principle of the power of attention is recognized across various spiritual, psychological, and philosophical traditions, often under different names or terms. Here are some other ways this law or power is referred to:
The Law of Attraction: Popularized by the New Thought movement and books like “The Secret,” this concept states that positive or negative thoughts bring positive or negative experiences into a person’s life.
Mentalism: In Hermeticism, one of the seven Hermetic principles is mentalism, which asserts that “The All is Mind; the Universe is Mental,” emphasizing the creative power of thought.
Focused Intention: This term is often used in spiritual and self-help contexts to describe the deliberate focusing of one’s thoughts and intentions to manifest desired outcomes.
Creative Visualization: This practice involves imagining specific outcomes or goals with the intention of bringing them into reality through focused mental imagery.
Mindfulness: In both Buddhist teachings and modern psychology, mindfulness refers to the practice of being fully present and aware, directing attention deliberately and non-judgmentally to the present moment.
Conscious Creation: This term highlights the active role individuals play in creating their reality through intentional focus and deliberate thought.
Attention Dynamics: In some psychological contexts, this term is used to describe how attention shapes perception and influences behavior and outcomes.
Mental Focus: In cognitive psychology, mental focus refers to the concentration of cognitive resources on a particular task or thought, influencing performance and outcomes.
Thought Power: Often used in metaphysical and New Age circles, this term underscores the idea that thoughts have the power to shape reality.
Intentionality: This philosophical concept refers to the power of the mind to be directed towards an object or to bring about certain states of affairs through deliberate intention.
Psychic Energy: In psychoanalytic theory, particularly in the work of Carl Jung, psychic energy refers to the energy of the psyche that can be directed towards various activities, influencing one’s inner and outer world.
Prayer and Affirmation: In many religious and spiritual practices, focused prayer and affirmations are ways of directing mental and spiritual energy towards desired outcomes.
Chi or Qi Focus: In traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine, directing one’s life force energy (chi or qi) through focused intention can influence health and well-being.
Magnetism: In esoteric and occult traditions, personal magnetism refers to the attractive power that an individual exerts through concentrated will and thought.
By understanding these various terms and concepts, one can see the universal nature of the principle of attention and its recognized significance across different disciplines and traditions.
The Energetic Mechanism of Attention
At the heart of the power of attention lies the concept that energy follows thought. This principle is echoed across various spiritual and esoteric traditions, including the teachings of the Ascended Masters and Theosophy. When we focus our attention on a particular thought, emotion, or idea, we are essentially directing our life force, or prana, towards it. This focused energy then magnifies and manifests the object of our attention into our reality.
Consider the example of an automobile accident. For hours or even days after such an experience, the event remains at the forefront of the individual’s consciousness, potentially causing distress and even physical illness. This demonstrates how intensely focusing on a negative event can amplify its impact on one’s life. Conversely, when we direct our attention towards positive goals and constructive thoughts, we channel our energy into creating beneficial outcomes.
Positive Attention and Manifestation
The law of attention teaches us that by consciously focusing on positive intentions, we can draw desirable outcomes into our lives. This is a form of practical mysticism where thought and belief shape our physical reality. For instance, focusing on health, abundance, or loving relationships can attract these conditions into our existence. The mechanism is simple yet profound: our attention acts as a magnet, drawing to us the experiences that resonate with our predominant thoughts and feelings.
This principle is also reflected in the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the power of faith and attention. Jesus’ assertion, “These things I have done ye shall also do,” highlights the potential for human beings to perform miraculous acts through focused divine consciousness. By understanding and applying this principle, we align ourselves with our higher self, the “I AM” Presence, thereby manifesting divine qualities and experiences.
The Dangers of Negative Attention
While positive attention can lead to constructive outcomes, the opposite is equally true. Negative thoughts and fears, when given significant attention, can materialize in our lives, often with detrimental effects. This aspect of the law underscores the importance of vigilance in managing our mental and emotional focus. Negative attention can perpetuate cycles of worry, scarcity, and suffering, reinforcing the very conditions we wish to avoid.
Therefore, it is essential to cultivate mindfulness and consciously redirect our attention from negative patterns to positive aspirations. This shift not only helps in neutralizing negative manifestations but also empowers us to create a reality aligned with our highest good.
Practical Application of the Law of Attention
Applying the law of attention involves several practical steps:
Awareness: The first step is to become aware of where our attention habitually lies. This requires mindfulness and introspection to identify recurring thoughts and emotional patterns.
Intention Setting: Clearly define what you want to manifest in your life. Setting positive, specific intentions helps to focus your attention constructively.
Visualization: Regularly visualize your desired outcomes with as much detail and emotion as possible. Visualization acts as a powerful tool to concentrate your attention and align your energy with your goals.
Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to reinforce your intentions and redirect your focus away from negative thoughts. Affirmations are statements of truth that, when repeated consistently, help reprogram the subconscious mind.
Action: Align your actions with your intentions. Consistent, purposeful actions help to ground your mental and emotional focus in the physical world, facilitating manifestation.
Conclusion
The power of attention is a profound spiritual law that underscores the creative potential inherent in focused thought. By understanding and applying this principle, we can transform our lives, drawing in positive experiences and mitigating negative influences. This law, as espoused by ancient and modern spiritual teachings, serves as a cornerstone for conscious living and spiritual evolution. Through mindful attention, we harness the power to shape our reality, embodying the divine truth that we are co-creators of our existence.