Have you noticed when you place your conscious attention on something that it expands? Let’s say you have decided that you are buying a new car. As a result, during your daily activities you start noticing which cars you do and do not like. One day you see a car you have never seen before. It pulls your attention, and you decide you really like it. You now begin to notice this car that you have never seen before everywhere. Where you choose to place your conscious attention is what you see.

Our news is mired in negativity regarding topics such as failing economy and unemployment rates higher than they have been in five yeas. It is understandable how with these facts you could feel discouraged and resigned. It is easy to allow your mind to latch onto negative news and adopt a gloom and doom mentality. Although, it is easy, it does not serve you. It just breeds more negativity.

It is important to know what is going on in the world, especially in your own backyard. You need to know that the bank where you have your checking account is the next to go under. However, allowing yourself to become emotionally enrolled and dwell on details that you don’t need is counterproductive. As a matter of fact, more than likely, it will only support the negative to spiral into more negative. Rather, I urge you to take responsibility for choosing the more challenging path. The “road less traveled” is the one that will support you in maintaining a positive, productive outlook regardless of the circumstances. This takes discipline and a willingness to be rigorous.

Here are some tips:

Just the facts please

The media often spins stories with hyperbole, and as we can see from our current political affairs it greatly supports the delivery of blatant lies. Therefore, it is in your own best interest to stick to the facts. When sticking to the facts sometimes all you need to know are headlines. For instance a NY Time’s headline this morning reads, “Lehman Said to be Looking for a Buyer as Pressure Builds.” Between the constant media blitz, seeing headlines every time I sign into Yahoo to check e-mail, radio stories, etc. this NY Times headline is enough information for today. Reading further would only draw consciousness into negative energy that helps to perpetuate it. This is true for many situations. For instance, I personally turn off the radio and TV when politicians choose to continue talking about policies that have failed and no longer work. It only perpetuates the negativity. Continuing to listen does not support the desire to maintain positive outlooks and intentions, or personal success on a daily basis.

Clear Positive Intention

Yes, we are currently experiencing a volatile economy. We should have great compassion for others, and ourselves; and willingness to support those in dire need. However, it does not serve you to dwell in the negative. Strictly speaking life only occurs in the moment. Therefore, I encourage you to ask yourself to stick with the truth of your reality in each moment. Also, place your attention on gratitude and clear positive intentions. For instance, when you make a purchase, to support yourself in not getting stressed about spending money on something necessary move into gratitude. Make a statement of gratitude for having the money to spend and for what you need being available. In addition, repeat a clear, positive intention and affirmation; such as, “There is always more than enough money for me in my life.” Every time you take a breath and state that intention you remind yourself that in the very moment in which it is stated, that it is indeed the truth. This will support you in sticking to the facts, which in the example given is that your needs are met and you have enough money in that moment, regardless of what was on the radio one hour ago about the economy.

I reiterate, it is important to stay abreast of important issues in your backyard and the world. However, I encourage you to only place your attention on what is necessary and not get mired in extraneous, negative details. These will only serve you in perpetuating a negative perspective. Rather, choose to stick to the truth and rigorously maintain a clear positive intention. Regardless of the circumstances you have the right to experience peace and well-being, which these choices will deliver.

Copyright 2008. Jason Mannino All Rights Reserved