Attention! Attention!

Being trained as a neuroscientist, I find the human brain to be fascinating. With over 85 billion neurons, or nerve cells, we can not only process extraordinary amounts of information, but also respond in an appropriate way. And that’s a good thing because we are inundated with information all day long, especially in this high-tech age.

For curiosity’s sake, I had to Google something – “how many images are we exposed to each day”. The answers were astounding. As just one example, the average person in our modern world is exposed to between 4,000 and 10,000 advertisements or images each day. It may mean more to you if I stated it like this: if we are awake for 16 hours a day, then approximately 4 to 10 images are grabbing our attention every minute of the day.

Amazingly, our brains process and identify complex visual stimuli in as little as 13-30 milliseconds. That’s 10-30 times faster than the time it takes to blink.

Our mind is clearly bombarded with unending items day in and day out, not to mention how our concentration is also interrupted by people (and pets). It’s no wonder our attention is short and our focus is marred.  

So how is it possible to slow down and live deliberately in this ultra fast-paced world?

When everywhere we look, something or someone is vying for our attention, it’s difficult to not become distracted and thrown off course from our priorities. Take inventory for a moment – how many alerts have gone off on your phone or device in the last 24 hours?

I’ve discovered a few habits that help me declutter my overloaded brain and maybe they will help you too. I’d love to hear any other ideas you may have – feel free to share them in the comments sections below.

First, I aim to purposefully discriminate what I allow to enter my brain. To eliminate the garbage that infiltrates my day. Personally, I find this step to be imperative. The world sets an impossible standard for our life, ranging from the material possessions we have, to how many activities our family is involved in, to the number of views and likes on our social media, to how many goals we have surpassed at work and more. We should ask ourselves, “Does this really matter to me or does it matter to me because someone else thinks it should matter to me?” If you want to do some personal evaluation, this is a great question to ask yourself. There is a constant race against time and against each other. It’s impractical to keep this pace and not become burned out and bitter. Instead of trying to cram in ten more things, take the next minute to breathe and focus on the things that really matter to you.  

Secondly, I try to define what my priorities are. We can’t possibly pioneer every good cause or fight every fight. Instead, what ignites our passion and utilizes our talents? Can we begin to limit our commitments to the things that are most important to us and give it our all?

Finally, I strive to dedicate my heart, soul, and mind to the Lord. I try to focus on what is pleasing to God and allow Him to speak to me. And I make sure to pay attention when He does! The Lord has a particular way of getting my attention and I’m sure something similar may happen to you too.  

This past week, I came upon a specific verse three times in two days – once in print, once spoken, and once on social media. When the Lord repeats something multiple times, pay attention. It’s important and He is trying to speak to you. Find it in your Bible and study it further to hear more from Him and then pray to Him so the communication is not just one-sided.

Are you wondering what that verse was? Of course I’ll share it with you. And maybe you will see it a few more times too.

Psalm 37:23

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

This is a great verse to memorize and commit to your heart and life.

Ponder this.

Are you waiting to hear from the Lord about something in particular? Or maybe it’s been a long time and you’re just waiting to hear from Him in general.

Could it be that God has been trying to speak to you, but you are too busy and distracted to hear? The Lord speaks through His Word. Sometimes all we need to do is tune out the garbage and turn our attention to Him. Take notice if you see a portion of Scripture repeated in a relatively short amount of time. Most importantly, get in the Word so you will know it when you see it.

The Lord keeps bringing the following verses to my mind:

Philippians 4:8-9

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

The Apostle Paul wrote this passage in his letter to the people of Philippi. He was urging them to think on these things to find the peace of God.

9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to swap some of the daily assaults and bombardments for a little peace?

What (or Who) will succeed in getting your attention today?