At the end of every class, one of my yoga instructors leaves a notecard by our mats. The card contains a tidbit of wisdom, and it’s usually just what I need to hear on that particular morning. Last week, my card said “attention begets energy.”

I’ve been thinking about that deceptively simple phrase. I wrote a blog post for Inkitt a few months ago that talked about focusing on the things we can control in our writing life rather than the things we can’t. The idea that attention begets energy, in my mind, supports this thought and adds another profound layer to it.

If we focus on the things we can impact, on process rather than outcome, on the things that are most important to us, we’ll be more satisfied in our work and personal lives.

It sounds so simple, yet we all know it isn’t. Every day, we can be sidetracked by a hundred different things, all demanding our time and attention. We can also allow ourselves to focus on the negative in ourselves or in other people. When we do this, we divert our attention from what we say is most important to us - relationships, our art, our good mental and physical health - and we put that energy somewhere else.

Sometimes we don’t have a choice about who and what gets our attention, but most times we do. If I want to write a book, I have to create the habit life to support that goal. If my friendships are important to me, I have to make space to nurture them. If I say my health is important, I have to take care of myself. Attention begets energy.

EVENT THIS WEEK!

Thursday 10/17/19 at 6:30 pm, I’ll be at the Tapped Apple Winery for a book signing and Q&A. Join me, and other local science fiction and fantasy writers for a literary salon. Try out some excellent hard cider and apple wine while your there!