One of the challenges many people have is to focus their attention clearly on what they are doing. This is one of the secrets of success and inner peace. The more “in the now” we are – whether it’s when we’re praying or preparing our taxes – the more profound the results.

Unfortunately, the society in which we live is geared towards distraction. Our cell phone rings constantly with no respect for our activity at the time. Interruptions are the norm of our hectic lives. We inhale them and then wonder at our increasing stress levels. Even when we watch our favorite show on television, we are constantly distracted by advertisements every 20 minutes. When we surf the internet we are bombarded by flashing neon ads and even now as I sit at my desk in a high-rise building I look out over Los Angeles to see a plane trailing an advertising banner.

So what can we do to find peace? Is there no escape from this continual bombardment of our senses? It is difficult to go within while we’re agitated. It can be impossible to find an hour to meditate when the kids or cats are waiting for their dinner.

While we know of the vast importance and power of our mind, most of us have little time to plumb its phenomenal depths.

Swami Sivenanda, who was a Master of Yoga and one of the greatest spiritual saints of the 20th Century (1887-1963), taught the practice of Attention. Buddhists call this practicing Mindfulness. It is the same thing and an excellent practice for us all. If we consciously decide to use this practice, we can then use the frequent distractions as aids to even better concentration. When the cell phone rings mid-conversation, ignore it and continue your focus. In other words, remain conscious of the fact that the interruptions are external and that in reality we are in control. We have the freedom to choose whether or not we will react to the distractions or act from a place of mindfulness.

Let’s try. Whatever you are doing, whether it is washing the dishes, reading a book or listening to someone speak make sure you are only doing that one thing. Put the whole of your concentrated mind, the essence of your being, into what you are doing. Although it often appears to us that we can do many things at once, we actually only do one thing at a time, but we switch backwards and forwards between the two or more things we are doing. By concentrating fully on one thing, you are throwing the whole of your mental powers behind that. This is one of the best techniques to develop the deep concentration necessary for successful visualization and success in all aspects of your life.

The more focused we are in the present moment and the better our concentration, the more effective will be our work, our prayers, our intention, every single thing we do.

The following exercise is another powerful tool we can use to focus our mind. At the same time we will be sending ourselves healing and also sending out our love into the world through the intent and spiritual energy released through the prayer. It is a win-win. When life is hectic, take two minutes out of your day and try it. It will make a difference to you – and to the whole world!

Exercise

Make sure your breathing is deep and even.

Remember, the deeper you breathe, the deeper are your thoughts and the steadier is your concentration and focus. Keep your attention focused on the breath for a few minutes.

Now raise your hands in front of you with the palms facing outwards (the prayer mudra).

Say the following prayer focusing all your mind on the words and meaning of what you are saying, with the exclusion of all else.

Afterwards, see if you can feel energy flowing through you. Many people feel this as a tingling sensation in the palms of the hands or as a feeling of heat.

You will find that the better your concentration, the more powerful your prayers will become and the more you practice this the more you will feel the results.

Prayer for Self Healing

Oh Divine Creator of the Infinite Field

May the Essence of Your Infinite Love

Flow through me like a River of Light

Bringing healing to my body, mind and spirit.

May it flow NOW, at this very moment

Giving me the strength that I need to

Overcome my weakness

The Love that I need to fill, nurture and heal me

Now and forevermore.

Oh Wondrous God

I humbly ask that, if it be Your Will

I may be healed at this time

I pray that Your Healing light

May serve as a beacon of strength

Showing me ever more fully

Thy Infinite Power

And allowing this to manifest

More surely within my Heart

© Chrissie Blaze

Chrissie Blaze, author, astrologer and senior minister of The Aetherius Society. Please visit www.chrissieblaze.com or call (248) 552-9153 for information.