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The quiet art of attention

billwear.github.io

31–40 of 291 posts

Re: The quiet art of attention

#31

I like the message of the article overall. And I am skeptical when “liberation” and “freedom” are used when not clearly defined because where I am from (US) these words are thrown around flippantly. If I follow this approach of quietness and attention, will I be free from hunger (ie have food)? Free from fear (eg security from violence)? No, clearly not. There are other freedoms. Also, a left out item that we have di…

If I am free from a shackle, does that mean that I am free from hunger? Clearly not. Hmph, then why say that I am “free” from a shackle.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#33
post #17

Cognitive control is one of the most important issues of our era, IMHO: https://vonnik.substack.com/p/how-to-take-your-brain-back There are many techniques to increase our CC. The ADHD community is a trailblazer in this respect.

I used to think that once I started browsing the internet, it was time for a break. One technique I've implemented, which I haven't seen mentioned is "walking pomodoro technique": for every 25 minutes of work, I get up and take a brisk 5-min walk (or lately, a jog) and come back. One of the most surprising things is that by mandating my own breaks, I browse the internet a lot less.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#34

To the author : I find your article really insightful. I want to read more but I realize this article is not on your homepage. There might be more stuff that you have written and is unlisted. How can i find it all.

OP is in large degree one articulation of foundational mindfulness concepts that have been written about for centuries.

What about the OP specifically appeals? Happy to point you at some other things if I can.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#35
post #17

Cognitive control is one of the most important issues of our era, IMHO: https://vonnik.substack.com/p/how-to-take-your-brain-back There are many techniques to increase our CC. The ADHD community is a trailblazer in this respect.

tl;dr: more talk about “dopamine” and addictive devices. I prefer the submission.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#36
post #9

Well written! I can relate to most of the article. However, I find that > To focus on one thing deeply, to give it your full attention, is to experience it fully. And when we do this, something remarkable happens. Time, which so often feels like it is slipping through our fingers, begins to slow. doesn't really apply to me, or to many people I know and have worked with - it is when I focus on one task that "time flie…

Yeah, it's more like time taking a backseat than slowing down.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#37
post #13

[flagged]

> Anyone with ADHD, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and many other conditions simply do not and cannot have full control of their minds without medical intervention. Who are you and how are you privy to what I can and cannot do without intervention? Where do you get off?

I'm speaking for myself (ADHD) and anecdotal experience from people in my life with these conditions (clinical depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD). I don't claim to speak for anyone.

Your experience may be different, and that is fine and valid. The point I'm trying to make (and that you're also making) is that things that are fundamental truths for some are not always applicable or valid from the context of another person's lived experience.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#38
post #15
post #13

[flagged]

[flagged]

My intent was to point out that personal experiences differ and that things the article points out as given are not so given for everyone.

My intent was not to moralize and I'm uncertain to what part of my original comment could be interpreted as a moral stance.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#39
post #37

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Anyone with ADHD, clinical depression, bipolar disorder, and many other conditions simply do not and cannot have full control of their minds without medical intervention. Who are you and how are you privy to what I can and cannot do without intervention? Where do you get off?

I'm speaking for myself (ADHD) and anecdotal experience from people in my life with these conditions (clinical depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD). I don't claim to speak for anyone. Your experience may be different, and that is fine and valid. The point I'm trying to make (and that you're also making) is that things that are fundamental truths for some are not always applicable or valid from the context of another p…

> I'm speaking for myself (ADHD) and anecdotal experience from people in my life with these conditions (clinical depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD). I don't claim to speak for anyone.

Now you say that. But you made a very clear, absolute statement that these people “cannot have full control of their minds without medical intervention”.

And everyone’s lived experience is eventually respected with some back and forth in these exchanges. But making absolute statements about what people can or cannot do cuts both ways. So it’s best to make your vantage point clear from the start.[1]

I’m personally much more offended when someone says that my “type” cannot do something. Compared to assuming that I can.

Thanks for the clarification.

[1] For all we knew you could have been a medical researcher.

Re: The quiet art of attention

#40

To the author : I find your article really insightful. I want to read more but I realize this article is not on your homepage. There might be more stuff that you have written and is unlisted. How can i find it all.

I can recommend the Waking Up app. It has a well paced and well done introduction to mindfulness in a very similar style to the linked article. If interested, I can share a link for a free 30-day trial.

I have no affiliation and get no kickback. It has simply been quite useful for me.

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