I am confused about the nature of consciousness and directing attention. It seems that I have understood consciousness as the ability to perceive all that is. I remember some of your prescribed exercises being an effort to perceive all information as it enters, observing it without discrimination.
I have also read that consciousness is like a laser; focused and attentive to only what it chooses to focus on. I read a quote from a theosophical text which says that one must learn to ignore all extraneous input and only focus on what one directs the attention to.
These two concepts both make sense to me, but seem to be mutually exclusive. I could see being 'in the moment' as attempting to perceive all that enters into our sphere of perception. I could also see it making sense that paying attention to all perceptions could lead to distraction and identification.
I am attempting to learn to apply consciousness throughout the day of being a busy medical practitioner. Saying mantras in my mind while I try to figure out what to focus on. 'Be here now' is fine, but there is so much going on 'now'.
Please explain how I am wrong about this.
I'm amazed by the efforts you make for us!
I have also read that consciousness is like a laser; focused and attentive to only what it chooses to focus on. I read a quote from a theosophical text which says that one must learn to ignore all extraneous input and only focus on what one directs the attention to.
These two concepts both make sense to me, but seem to be mutually exclusive. I could see being 'in the moment' as attempting to perceive all that enters into our sphere of perception. I could also see it making sense that paying attention to all perceptions could lead to distraction and identification.
I am attempting to learn to apply consciousness throughout the day of being a busy medical practitioner. Saying mantras in my mind while I try to figure out what to focus on. 'Be here now' is fine, but there is so much going on 'now'.
Please explain how I am wrong about this.
I'm amazed by the efforts you make for us!