Qi follows attention

If you were to make a short list of the thoughts and ideas that have been the strongest in your mind over the past few days or weeks, what would be on it?

What has been capturing your attention lately?

How do you feel about the direction your attention has been headed?

In Chinese medicine, there is an old saying: Qi follows attention.

The basic idea is that our life force, our qi, will move in the direction of our attention. The object of our focus acts as a compass of sorts for the energy we have, the energy we are born with, and the energy we cultivate.

You have probably noticed this.

Think of a time you’ve been really serious about learning something new. You think about that thing, read about it, watch videos. You ask questions, talk to experts, and try things out.

Last year, I got more serious about developing as a jazz drummer, and I remember the way the imagery of jazz fills and bits of songs would infiltrate my thoughts, even in times when I wasn’t actively studying. So much of my qi was pouring into jazz drumming, in part because my attention was directly on it.

This qi-attention relationship also shows itself when we’re wrapped up in negative thinking or rumination.

Whether we want to admit it or not, we can become exhausted and depleted when we allow our attention to be transfixed to the objects of our circular thoughts. When our attention goes over there, so does our qi.

I can remember so many times as a younger woman - when I had no real sense of this concept - that I would inadvertently send my qi in an unfortunate direction by attaching my attention to “cheap” thoughts. Examples of these cheap thoughts are worries about boys I liked texting me back, intimidating professors grading my papers, and neighbors taking the parking spot I worked so hard to clear in snowy Chicago.

When I let my attention spill over around everywhere, I would feel absolutely spent, and I would have to dip into my precious energetic reserves to progress in my work.

This still happens sometimes, but the simple act of keeping this concept front of mind - qi follows attention - helps me remember the ripple effects of being reckless with my attention and, in turn, allows me to cultivate a greater capacity to direct my qi where I want it to go.

You might have different language for this same concept. (I’m pretty sure Tony Robbins is credited with saying, “Where energy flows, attention goes.”, which is basically an inversion of this Chinese medicine phrase. 😎 )

In any case, the idea is the same and the meaning it has in our lives is important.

When it comes to my work with clients, I often encourage people to pick one or two changes to make at first, like consistently getting in bed earlier or making congee for breakfast. We talk about the broad patterns that are present in their pathology, create a plan to address the pathology, and break down a plan into smaller pieces.

By keeping attention focused on a few steps at a time, we are all more able to efficiently impart lasting change.

Sometimes, it’s effective to simply notice. Instead of making a game plan, maybe over the next week, we can all try to be a little more aware of where our attention is headed. Are we letting it pour into cheap thoughts?

Breathwork, qi gong, and even just doing stuff that’s fun for us can help us refocus our attention. You’re welcome to reach out to me if you’re looking for resources! I love to hear from you all. 🧡

Warmly,

Artemisia

Clinical Herbalist | Chinese Medicine

innervillagehealth.com

@innervillagehealth