Book Review: Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life

Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life by Winifred Gallagher

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars

You are what you pay attention to.

Winifred Gallagher was a mother of two young girls when she was diagnosed with a cancer that had a great chance of ending her life. Understandably, her mind was full of dread and terror that she would leave her girls motherless. Since she might be living her final days, she decided to focus on, and pay attention to, the things that gave her joy. Her children, a sunset, her family....

Her life changed. While she dealt with bad news on the medical front, she enjoyed the rest of her life. She recovered, and looked back in wonder at what had been a pretty good year.

So she began her research that led to this book. She interviewed neuro-scientists, psychiatric researchers, and others who study the mind and attention. The book covers what it means to focus on something, how it affects your brain, relationships, well being, productivity, and creativity. She covers the effects of drugs and meditation on the brain and its ability to focus. She looks at problems with focus, such as ADHD. And how focus can give life meaning.

Recommended.


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