We all Need Attention But We Can Do Without Some!

By Staff

Tuesday, September 2, 2008, 11:55

We all love attention. We wish to be appreciated and attended to, but for the wrong reasons.
A small story: Jane was a patient of depression. One day, when she was seated in the doctor's waiting room, a lady next to her started a chat. During the conversation, Jane said that she was the mother of 12 children. The lady exclaimed, 'Twelve children! And you look so young and beautiful!' Jane felt she had gotten her doctor's prescription. She felt better instantly. All she needed was that compliment!

Some years ago, Chicago University did an experiment to show how personality develops or thrives on attention. Volunteers were chosen in groups. Groups were formed with people who were closely connected and interacted with one another on a daily basis. They were all told to say a few things to one particular person John, at different times of the day at different places.

John, was all set to leave for work the following day. He was at the kitchen table eating breakfast when his wife Jane, exclaimed 'Oh! My God! You look terrible! Are you sure you are well enough to go to work? I heard you coughing the whole night.' Now, John did not think he had coughed in the night at all. However, he did not wish to start an argument in the morning. He replied curtly, 'Don't worry. I feel fine.' He skipped breakfast, picked up his coffee mug and walked to the garage. His neighbor, about to get into his car himself, looked at John and exclaimed,

'Hey John! What has happened to you? You don't look too good.'

John felt spooked. Still, he was sportive enough to drive to work. He rode the elevator to work and entered his office. His receptionist, instead of greeting him warmly as she usually did, cried out, 'John, you look terrible! You should have stayed home.' John gave her a weak smile and walked into his cabin. A while later, his boss called him in. As soon as he saw John he exclaimed,

'Good grief, John, you seem to have the flu or something. You don't look good at all. I don't want you giving it to others. Go home now and rest, that's an order.'

John went home thoroughly confused. His wife opened the door and touched his forehead. She discovered he had a raging fever! He had actually developed fever just out of the negative attention he got since morning from all those people. People can get ill through negative attention. Similarly people can get better with positive attention like in the earlier story.

Pain is our body's cry for attention. So the next time you have pain in any part of your body, focus on that pain with awareness. Give it all your attention. The pain will vanish. Attention is energy. Use it with awareness.

Listen to Paramahamsa Nithyananda Shiva Sutras-Discover Who You Are-Awareness Is The Key