The Power Of Attention

By Lilavati Ishaya

It used to cause me so much stress, not knowing how to be present. I knew there were things in my life I was missing, yet I felt I had no control over any of it.

Sometimes I realised that not being present could be seen as “being late” to what was happening right in front of me. I would drift off for several minutes and then ask myself where I’d been. Once again, I’d be “arriving late” to the many things unfolding around me, repeating the same cycle over and over. 

At times, unexpected glimpses of peace appeared, even when I was in my car, stuck in Mexico City traffic. What is this? These moments left such a strong imprint on me that ignoring them no longer felt like an option. I had to find my answers.

Taking responsibility for my own wellbeing was something I still needed to put into practice, rather than handing it over to external situations or other people. But where do you turn when you start asking questions of the heart and reflecting on your purpose in life?

Of all the methods and approaches that came my way during this search, whether to help make the world a better place or to find peace within, none seemed to have enough fuel to keep me fulfilled. Something was missing.

Learning About The Ishayas

In 2003, I came across the Ishayas’  teaching through a pamphlet an acquaintance handed me as she ran to catch a bus. She simply said, “You can’t miss this, the monks are wonderful.” It wasn’t the words themselves, but the energy and enthusiasm behind them that caught my attention.

The pamphlet felt genuine. It offered a small glimpse of “how to expand your awareness”, and it was absolutely marvellous. No one had ever spoken to me about this before, and yet it resonated so strongly, as if a huge portal had opened in front of me.

The pamphlet stayed in my car, and I read it often. The words seemed to dissolve, leaving behind a sense of mystery and growing curiosity.

The next step was to pay attention and sign up for their next course.

That weekend, I not only learned techniques but also learned to recognise the wandering of my mind, constantly drifting from thought to thought. Now, I had the power to bring my attention back to the present moment, at will, for the rest of my life. For the rest of my life! And the best part was that it happened naturally. I didn’t need to change anything on the outside. I didn’t need anyone or anything to be different.

Gently Returning To The Present

Learning how to play with my attention, gently returning it to the present whenever I remembered, transformed my life enormously. With clarity and absolute trust, I began to let go of patterns, habits and relationships that no longer served me.

For the first time, I felt a sense of mission, purpose and direction, and, most importantly, I no longer felt alone.

The impact this had on my life was incredible. Opportunities began to appear, everything started moving more quickly, and it felt as though I had a green light to keep going and to reach for more.

The wonderful result of re-educating my attention and bringing it back to this moment has been the most valuable thing I’ve ever learned. Living in the present has become the foundation for many of my decisions, and it has allowed me to become a more playful, relaxed and friendly version of myself, enriching all my relationships, including being a mother, a wife and a daughter.

Although there were no teachers or meditation gatherings in my area at the time, my practice continued to grow on its own, wherever I went. It soon became a habit — something I made time for intentionally because it helped me reset my attention. And even now, after 23 years, it remains as present in my life as it was on the very first day.

Awareness – The Gateway To Wellbeing

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “What you focus on grows,” right? Well, through these techniques, a gateway to wellbeing opens wide. The practice of focusing your attention never ends. On the contrary, it becomes more refined, more subtle, more harmonious and lighter. It truly is the best game in town.

And do you know one of the great benefits of learning this? Qualified teachers are always available to bring clarity whenever a question arises. In fact, during the very weekend I learned these techniques, the teachers said, “We are here to serve, so make use of us!” As you become more present, certain filters may begin to fall away, and your clarity in each moment, precisely as it is, starts to deepen.

Would you like more harmony and lightness in your life?

Wait no longer. The fact that people around us are stressed and dissatisfied doesn’t mean that this is our natural state. We may think it’s normal, but it’s quite the opposite, and completely ineffective. Our natural state is one of deep, unmoving silence, just waiting to be discovered and explored. This is your mission, and only you can begin the journey.

Choose to refocus your attention on what you truly want, and in time it will bring you not only wellbeing but also a renewed relationship with the present moment. Like a line of falling dominoes, this alignment will bring harmony to all other areas of your life.