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Paying Attention Pays Dividends: One's attention, once it is focused, has the power to change our lives and the lives of others around us, says Sarah McLean.

Feb 02, 2017 09:49AM ● By Sarah McLean

Our attention has the power to change our lives and the lives of others, depending on how and on what we focus it, yet many people squander their attention without recognizing its value and its power. They’re not truly engaged, but kind of half-listening, half-distracted or easily thrown off track because of routine demands.

The subtlest aspects of creation, including our attention, are often challenging to describe and difficult to measure because they are not part of the material world, like gravity, electricity, magnetism, energy, light, attraction, emotion, passion, vitality, intellect, perception, creativity and imagination.

There is so much to explore in the subtle world; forces that not only keep us alive, but make life worth living. That includes attraction and love, space and time, ecstasy and energy. Perhaps this is why the subtle has intrigued and charmed physicians, artists, poets, physicists, astronomers and mystics throughout history.

We can explore this unseen field of love with the practice of mindfulness meditation, because it allows us to become the master of our attention. It can help anyone deal with distractions and reclaim their ability to pay attention, as it strengthens our attention muscle. With regular meditation, we can become more focused on the present moment and savor each moment of our life by engaging our attention on what we are doing while doing it; be more mindful in our communications, whether with family members, loved ones or those we work with; be alert to opportunities, creative responses and inspiration, all which are only available if we are paying attention.

Meditation increases our interior awareness, so we can become more aware of our thought patterns, reactions and emotions; tune in to our gut feelings and inner knowing; and make choices based on our true values rather than out of mental habits.

It boosts our ability to focus on one thing at a time, so we can attend to what is truly important to us without distraction; finish projects more easily and with more accuracy; be present to the people that are in front of us without our devices interrupting, so we can create true relationships.

Meditation is an important ingredient for living a peaceful, powerful, purposeful life. It truly helps us to take back control of our attention so we can focus on what is truly important to us and savor our life. We can learn how to meditate and become the master of our attention.

Sarah McLeanSarah McLean is a meditation expert and author of The Power of Attention: Awaken to Love and Its Unlimited Potential with Meditation. She will appear at the New Vision Center for Spiritual Living, in Phoenix, on Mar. 3, and Changing Hands Bookstore, in Tempe, on Apr. 20. For more information, visit Amazon.com or McLeanMeditation.com.