The importance of getting VERY clear about what you want cannot be over emphasized.

As the multiplicity of reality pulls our attention in every direction, having clarity about what is truly desired provides a focal point with which to direct our attention deliberately.

Without a focal point, directing attention becomes more of a challenge.

In Transcendental Meditation (TM), the student is taught to repeat a mantra, a specific word or sound. They are instructed to simply continue repeating the mantra until they become aware they are no longer repeating the mantra (i.e. the mind has trailed off in thought), at which time they simply start repeating the mantra again.

The idea is to give attention to the focal point, the mantra, and when attention wanders, you simply bring your attention back to the focal point. Without a focal point to return to, the mind is easily distracted.

This brings us back to the importance of clarity. When you are very clear about what you want and you make that your focal point, directing your attention becomes effortless.

One of the many benefits of practicing TM is the stabilizing of the quiet mind state. When the mind is provided with a focal point, it quiets down. As the mind becomes less distracted, the mind chatter falls away and the blissful quiet mind state is enjoyed.

Remember a time when you were so engrossed in what you were doing that everything else seemed to disappear and you enjoyed a contentment beyond that provided by the activity itself. This is the quiet mind state.

Athletes and musicians, to name a few, often refer to this as the “zone.” It’s a point where one experiences a comforting peace and inner silence even in the midst of a chaotic and loud stadium.

This is our natural state and is experienced on a consistent basis in our daily lives when we manage our attention deliberately and allow the mind to quiet down of its own accord.

Unfortunately for most, this state is only experienced in fleeting moments, if ever. Only a small percentage of people are even aware that this content and empowering state is available to them.

In the past, the quiet mind was only sought by those on an intense spiritual path. Today, it makes sense for anyone who wishes to enjoy contentment and peace while achieving extraordinary success in whatever endeavor they choose.

It’s not an either/or choice.

Although the application of the concept presents a challenge for most, the formula for creating a life you absolutely love is simple:

Decide what you want and give that your attention.

I offer free attention mentoring to do just this in my What You Want Challenge on www.ChangeYourMynd.com.

Creating an Attention Revolution one quiet mind at a time…
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As an Attention Mentor, Shelia Norling teaches simple methods of managing your attention and thoughts so you can create a life you love. Take her What You Want Challenge at www.ChangeYourMynd.com and she’ll mentor you free of charge! While you’re there, download her free JATAT Guidebook and learn a simple shift in perspective that allows you to have what you want, effective immediately.

© Copyright 2010 Shelia Norling
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