What You Focus On Grows: The Power of Attention and Ayurvedic Wisdom

During my six-month meditation training, I was introduced to the transformative concept that "what you focus on grows." Over the years, this simple truth has continued to deepen, becoming a guiding principle in my daily life. Whether it’s personal growth, health, or relationships, where we choose to focus our attention shapes our reality.

But the question remains: how do we refine our focus in a way that is both sustainable and meaningful? Ayurveda offers a beautiful concept that complements this idea: Behavioral Rasayana.

Behavioral Rasayana: Nourishing Actions for the Mind

In Ayurveda, Rasayanas are considered rejuvenating therapies—practices that nourish and restore balance to the body and mind. While rasayanas are often thought of as herbal formulations, there’s also a less tangible but equally important category known as Behavioral Rasayanas. These are conscious behaviors and actions that promote mental and emotional well-being.

Behavioral Rasayanas encourage us to practice compassion, kindness, truthfulness, and mindfulness in our interactions with others and ourselves. By engaging in these behaviors, we nourish our mind and spirit, just as food nourishes our body.

When applied to the idea that "what you focus on grows," Behavioral Rasayana reminds us that by focusing on positive behaviors—acts of kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness—we can cultivate more of these qualities in our lives. The key lies in conscious action, moment by moment.

The Choice of Focus: The Power Is in Your Hands

We all have a choice in where we direct our attention. We can get caught up in negative thoughts, letting stress and anxiety dominate our minds, or we can choose to focus on positivity, inner peace, or a deeper connection with ourselves. There’s also a third path—one of balance. This path involves observing the highs and lows without attachment, and focusing instead on the underlying unity that holds both experiences.

How to Apply This in Daily Life:

Here are a few practical ways to consciously direct your focus and integrate the Ayurvedic principle of Behavioral Rasayana:

1. Mindful Meditation: Meditation offers the space to witness our thoughts and gently guide them toward calm and clarity. It allows us to practice choosing focus.

2. Gratitude Practice: Regularly focusing on what we are grateful for strengthens positive mental patterns. The more you engage with gratitude, the more it grows.

3. Intentional Action: Be mindful of your daily actions. Whether practicing yoga, engaging in self-care, or helping others, focus on behaviors that align with your personal values and growth.

Bonus Tip: Refining Focus with the Art of Ascension

The easiest and most effective way I’ve found to refine my focus is through the Art of Ascension meditation technique. This practice effortlessly balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, creating a sense of unity within. By bringing the mind into a state of balance, this technique allows for clarity and a deeper connection with the present moment, making the choice of where to focus truly attainable.

The Art of Ascension meditation has helped me consistently return to a state of inner peace, allowing me to focus on growth, compassion, and positivity in a natural and effortless way. If you’re seeking a way to strengthen your ability to choose your focus, I highly recommend exploring this meditation practice.

What Will You Choose to Grow?

Every moment offers us the opportunity to focus on what truly matters. Whether it's nurturing your inner peace, improving relationships, or focusing on acts of kindness, what you focus on will inevitably grow. It’s not just a mantra—it’s a lifestyle that nourishes both mind and spirit.

T-shirt Link: To remind yourself of this powerful concept every day, I’ve created a t-shirt with the saying "What You Focus On Grows." It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to choose your focus wisely. Check it out here.