What we Appreicates Appreciates
How Attention is the Soil That Makes Things Grow
Everything you shine your attention on—thoughts, feelings, plants, relationships—starts to grow. In quantum experiments and neuroscience alike, attention isn’t just spotlight—it’s fertilizer.
The Power of Attention in Physics
Quantum Observer Effect
- Experiments (e.g. at the Weizmann Institute) show that electrons change behavior when observed. The more “watching,” the more the interference pattern collapses.
- The double-slit experiment beautifully illustrates this: when particles are monitored, they act like particles; when not, like waves.
What It Shows: Reality shifts under observation. It's as if particles know you’re watching, and they respond accordingly.
Neuroscience: Attention Shapes Your Brain
Neuroplasticity & Focus
- Psychology Today tells us attention is limited but trainable—neural pathways strengthen with focused attention.
- The Reticular Activating System filters what you notice—reinforcing what you focus on.
Why It Matters: Your mind reorganizes based on where your energy flows. Spotlight your values, even subtly, and your brain adjusts to reflect them.
Energy Follows Attention
Attention as Dynamic Energy
- Medium explains that attention literally directs energy—cognitive, emotional, even spiritual.
- Conscious Discipline speaks to parents: shifting focus to what you want encourages growth and happiness consciousdiscipline.com.
Attention is like sunshine and water—whatever you shine it on thrives.
The Creation Cycle: Frequency → Form
- Frequency – Your baseline energy field.
- Intention/Will – Focus of attention aligns with purpose. As J.R. Spina emphasizes: intention = power.
- Emotion – Feeling adds vibrational depth.
- Image & Words – You envision and speak your creation into being.
- Form – The material outcome that grows from this process.
Takeaway: Attention is step two—it's your will in motion. What grows gets your energy.
Why the Negative Amplifies
Our reptilian brain gets stuck scanning for threats. Every replay of drama, stress, or mistake adds more sunshine to those weeds—making them bigger and harder to uproot.
Real-life example: Have you ever noticed how sometimes a stressful situation becomes even more stressful just because of how someone reacts to it? It's like their stress feeds the stress, and suddenly the whole thing feels bigger than it really is—like it's grown its own legs and started running the show. It’s easy to see this happen in others, harder to spot in ourselves. Of course, we all need to vent or rant sometimes—that’s natural—but there comes a point where we’re giving the thing more life, more energy, than it really deserves.
The Art of Redirecting Attention
Steps to Practice:
Notice when attention is on contraction (worry, 'should').
Pause in the breath—anchor into presence.
Choose consciously—what do you want to grow in this moment?
Shift your focus—whether it's a loved one, gratitude, nature, or a creative project.
Reset Ritual: Walk outside; find beauty; feel the warmth; turn attention toward what you love. Watch the shift happen.
The Broader Influence
Attention Economy: Brands crave your attention—it’s their currency.
Politicians, Influencers, Algorithms—they all harness attention to grow influence.
But you can flip it: Focus Inward. Shine on stories, values, people, and creativity. Those inner seeds will flourish.
What You Appreciate Appreciates
Your attention shapes your world—internally and externally.
By choosing where your mind wanders, you plant gardens—or weeds.
So shine your light on what matters.
Nurture what aligns with your soul.
Because what you give attention to will grow.