THE IMPORTANCE OF ATTENTION AND HOW TO SWITCH IT [MENTAL HEALTH]ARTICLE 1

So we recognize that a lot of what goes on in our heads, and the reasons for feeling depressed , are not our fault at all, but at the same time we want to take more control over our minds. and where our attention settles. Think of it this way, your attention is like a spotlight , and what it settles on becomes bigger ion your mind. If I ask you to focus your attention on your left foot, and them rub your thumbs over your fingers , you will notice that while your attention is on your foot you become more aware o0f the sensation in it.

But notice that the spotlight of attention puts things into the shadows , too. When you are focusing on your left foot you are not aware of your fingers. Notice too that your attention is movable-from your foot to your hands.

It is the same with emotion and attention . Because your threat system keeps hold your attention it puts potentially positive awareness into the shadows – you literally don’t notice these things. When we are depressed we don’t notice the colour or the sky , the fact that we can breathe, or that we can see colours and hear sounds {Some people can’t} . We do not notice the sensory experiences we are having right now.

I will complete in article 2 soon .