(This is Part 3 of a series. Go back to Part 2.)
As mentioned above, it's a very good idea to pay special attention to what it is that we're paying attention to, since that in turn determines everything else.
The single most powerful thing that I've ever personally discovered about directing attention is to ask empowering questions.
I've noticed that the brain answers all questions. If we ask, "Why am I always passed over at work?" we'll get an answer. If we ask instead, "How can I get a promotion?" we'll get an answer to that.
The former is an example of a disempowering question, because it leads to disempowering thoughts, which leads to disempowering feelings, which leads to disempowering decisions and attractions.
The latter question is an example of an empowering one, because it tends to lead to empowering thoughts, feelings, decisions, attractions and, not least, an empowering way to experience the process of our life.
In other words, these two questions will tend to lead to two radically different outcomes—and yet they're just two simple questions. That's the power of questions.
If we ask the brain, "Why is this world so screwed-up?" we'll get an answer. If we ask it instead, "How can I make a positive difference in this world?" we'll get a much more empowering answer. Again, two different questions, two different outcomes, and two different realities that we then get to live in.
Consequently, let's look at what kinds of questions might tend to direct our attention in ways that empower us. (And because each of us influences the world through our vibrations, the right questions empower the world too.)
First on the list has to be the great question:
"What do I appreciate about my life?"
The question embodies the great principle of appreciation, which is very much like a secret doorway into a fruitful and satisfying life. In asking what we appreciate about our life, the question also begins by helping to reveal our inherent self-worth.
I want to honor Tony Robbins here because the question above is a modification of his great question:
What's really great about my life?
Tony knows the importance of asking questions and has thought up some wonderful ones. Two other great Tony questions are...
"What's good about this?" and
"How can I use this?"
...asked when a problem or setback is encountered. They help to direct our attention to empowering ways of dealing with challenges. (Info about Tony Robbins and a link to his site are at the People section of this website.)
In the next article I'd like to offer a list of my own favorite questions, along with some commentary.
(This is the end of Part 3. Go to Part 4.)
—jim sloman, 8.05.03 for 2.15.04
|
