Focus phrase

"Focus phrase" is a term that is being used more and more in cognitive-therapy and awareness-management discussions. A psychologically related term is elicitor phrase or statement of intent. Although in limited use for decades as a descriptive label, the term was first documented in written form by psychologist John Selby in his early consciousness-management books and lectures in the 1990s. This coined psychological term is now used by therapists and coaches as a general term meaning:

Definition
... 'a specially-constructed short sentence or phrase that states a person's inner intent to refocus his or her attention immediately in a new pre-ordained direction'.

Based both on new research in cognitive science and on cognitive-shifting studies of ancient meditation techniques (see Jon Kabat-Zinn), focus phrases have been used as a meditative tool and therapy aid, and are being introduced as at-work attentive boosts. They are carefully designed by professionals to almost instantly redirect the mind's attention specifically toward worthwhile sensations, thoughts, images, and other mental experiences. Focus phrases have proven highly effective in evoking rapid shifts in mental content, quality of awareness, sensory perception, and general inner experience.

Traditional Cognitive Therapy Usage
As explained by the founder of cognitive therapy, Aaron Beck, our chronic thoughtflows (stream of consciousness) tend to dominate our inner experience and stimulate our behavior and emotions. If we want to change our inner experience (for instance from a negative mood to a more positive mood) we need to take charge of the thoughts we are holding in our minds, and state our intent to shift into a preferable mood or quality of consciousness.

The theory of cognitive therapy teaches that the power of the spoken word in stating one's intent is primary for manifestation of one's intent. In ancient times, the Creation myth found in Genesis of the Old Testament relates that "God said let there be light, and there was light." Perhaps "Let there be light" was the primary focus phrase for our universe. And throughout anthropology studies, a verbal statement of intent (a blessing; a curse) was considered a decisive act in manifesting that intent.

Business Applications
In corporate awareness-training, focus phrases are used not to change the outer world, but to rapidly shift inner attention, and thus alter personal experience and behavior. For instance, in order to shift rapidly from being lost in thought to present-moment alertness, the following core focus phrase drawn both from perceptual psychology and ancient Yoga meditative tradition is used: "I feel the air flowing in and out of my nose." Immediately, as often explained by spiritual teacher Alan Watts in his numerous books, the words have the psychological power to turn your attention toward the actual breathing experience - which in turn awakens your awareness to sensory experience in the present moment.

Elicitor statements using this general 'focus phrase technology' for mental refocusing can be used to redirect attention toward a more positive mood ("I let go of my worries, and feel peaceful inside"), toward more creative states of mind ("I am open to receive insight into my dilemma"), toward interpersonal relating ("I accept this person just as they are"), or toward any other intent to improve one's experience and behavior.

First Printed Usage
The first formal set of focus phrases to appear in print was found in John Selby's meditation book Seven Masters, One Path - based on a set of seven focus phrases derived from the teachings of Patanjali, Lao Tzu, Buddha, Jesus, Mohammed, Gurdjieff, and Krishnamaurti. From these original culturally-grounded focus phrases Selby then developed his therapy-based focus phrases in the context of cognitive-shifting formats. These are now in use in corporate HR programs in America and Europe.