The Transformative Power 

by

 Austin Perris

"Buddhism is mainly an empirical approach to the investigation of the brain and training of the mind."

                                         Mathew Ricard, Ph.D., Buddhist Monk

reprinted from March 2024

The extraordinary mental abilities of a sect of Tibetan Monks caught the attention of some scientists who got the group's permission to measure their brain wave activity during meditation. As one monk was being wired to the machine, he was being interviewed for a documentary. He was asked why monks spend so much time meditating. He responded with:  

"How could a mind become wise, compassionate, altruistic, and alert without any training?" offered the Monk matter of factly. "It's like a sailor who takes the helm…and decides where to sail instead of drifting with the current." 

These words seem apparent, but how many of us drift along with the current? For those of us who have just allowed life to take us where it wanted, we learned quickly that those experiences cut the deepest: disturbing, shocking, and even life-threatening.  

Getting control of your mind is more complex than one might admit. We have two minds: one that you purposely think consciously and one that creates thoughts to consider. Most "automatic" thoughts are based on urges, desires, wants, and tendencies.  

If one does not control the automatic mind, they are in for a lifetime of serving its wishes and living its experiences. Instead, they should make thoughtful choices that lead to what they want, not what it wants. The Ancient Taoists called this mind the "Chattering Monkey" or "Monkey Mind."

  We can see how much our minds run wild if we sit quietly and watch what thoughts occur without attaching ourselves to them. As we sit, these thoughts come and go, and we see how active the automatic mind is and what types of thoughts it has. These thoughts are continuous, persistent, and often distracting. Most of the time, these thoughts are based on self-gratification and are designed to serve the ego. So, how do we get this aspect of ourselves under control? 

  How do we overcome the "chattering monkey?"   

  Through the ages, man has turned to practices that focus the mind. As the monk mentioned, training the mind is just as important as training for any other endeavor. It takes practice. If you do not control the mind, it will control you. The mind is like life itself: You can do nothing and allow it to take you where it wants you to go, or you can "take the helm" and make informed, conscious decisions and go where you want to go. 

In a world that constantly bombards us with distractions, the ability to focus has become a rare and valuable skill. Whether at work, in personal relationships, or pursuing our passions, focus is the key that unlocks our full potential. As we explore the profound impact of focus on various aspects of our lives and how cultivating this skill can lead to greater success and fulfillment, we realize focus is not merely a mental state. 

This cognitive process involves selective attention to a particular aspect of our environment or thoughts. Neuroscientific studies show that when we focus, our brains activate specific neural networks, enhancing our ability to process information efficiently. This heightened cognitive state allows us to make better decisions, solve complex problems, and achieve goals more effectively.

In the professional world, focus is often the difference between outstanding and average. Studies show that children in elementary school who demonstrated the ability to focus were most successful later in their careers. Individuals who can maintain a laser-like focus on their tasks complete them more quickly and produce higher-quality work.

Focus is not just about avoiding distractions; it's also about prioritization. By identifying and concentrating on the most critical tasks, professionals can accomplish more in less time. This strategic use of focus enables individuals to stand out in their careers, fostering innovation, creativity, and a reputation for reliability.

Beyond the professional sphere, focus plays a pivotal role in personal development. Whether pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, or maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the ability to concentrate on specific objectives is crucial. 

The same principle applies to personal fitness goals, learning a language, mastering an instrument, or other pursuits.

Moreover, focus contributes to emotional intelligence and mindfulness, promoting better self-awareness and interpersonal relationships. When we focus on the present moment, we become more attuned to our thoughts and emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Heightened awareness lays the foundation for effective communication and empathetic connections.

Life is filled with challenges, and maintaining focus during difficult times can be a formidable task. However, the power of focus becomes most apparent precisely during these moments. 

Concentrating on solutions rather than problems can help individuals navigate difficulties more effectively. Focus provides the mental clarity needed to break down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.

While the benefits of focus are undeniable, cultivating this skill requires intentional effort. Here are some practical tips to enhance your ability to focus:

Identify and prioritize your most important tasks. This ensures that your energy is directed toward activities that align with your goals.

Be clear about what you want to accomplish and provide a roadmap for your focus.

Minimize external distractions and create an environment conducive to work or study. Set specific work hours and communicate your need for focused time to those around you.

Incorporate mindfulness practices into your routine, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises. These activities help train your mind to stay present and focused.

While focused work is crucial, short breaks can refresh your mind and prevent burnout. Use short bursts of focused work followed by brief breaks.

In a world that values constant connectivity and instant gratification, the power of focus is a beacon of success and fulfillment. A man named Jesus said: "Know thy self," and knowing who and what you are is the key to discovering your true potential.  

Humans are extraordinary creatures with extraordinary abilities that do not reveal themselves unless cultivated. The specific methods of cultivation are many, but one thing is for sure: the first step in discovering your true potential is controlling the mind, and once you have done that, you will realize the mind is the most incredible tool you will ever need to navigate all of God's Creation.

For the video “Unwavering Focus.” click here.