The notion that this process is gradual, built on small, deliberate actions, resonates deeply
The quiet art of attention
251–260 of 291 posts
Re: The quiet art of attention
#252This is something that I have always strived for, and try to practice every living moment. You put in clearer and more detailed words what I have been trying to develop by myself. I will be forever grateful for the time I spent practicing martial arts when I was younger. I was lucky enough to find a master that did not teach the practice as a means to reach agonistic goals but instead as practicing mindfulness and se…
It's inspiring to hear how your martial arts training shaped your mindfulness
Re: The quiet art of attention
#253In regard to watching the mind, one thing I’ve observed is a little strange, and I was hoping to get other’s experiences. I like to watch the movement of my attention. Nothing abstract, just to observe where attention is aimed - it takes a mere 30 seconds of watching. What I’ve noticed, is it moves around, seemingly without my input, and lacking any conscious intent (a concept the blog post makes a point to reclaim).…
The mystery of intention and attention also invites reflection
Re: The quiet art of attention
#254Stoicism explores these ideas. One of the basic premises is that all external events are out of our control and to focus on what is, basically what is in our mind and our actions. Then we should try to discipline our ideas around virtues which are always good instead of outcomes and externals. That summary doesn't do it justice, if interested in exploring further. There are some good books on amazon or check out dail…
Wouldn't stoicism be at odds with political action? Why protest if it's all out of our hands?
An important part of Stoicism is making purposeful "responses" instead of suffering kneejerk "reactions." You can be more effective in all things, including political action, if you can master this.
I will also point out that one of the founding documents is Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a Roman emperor. He was nothing if not political.
Re: The quiet art of attention
#255Earlier quoted context omitted.
I have experienced slowing of time in improvised couples dancing. I may have to react to very complex situations in a time frame that feels impossible. For example, at the same time my follower can be so tense that she cannot feel leading/following signals as well as if she was relaxed, and she mis-interprets my lead and goes where I was not expecting her to go, her clothing gets stuck, another couple comes into the…
It might be that programming and other office jobs simply overtrain the analytical mind to the point that we mistakenly think that it is the best tool to ascertain reality with.
I think it starts already in school.
Re: The quiet art of attention
#256In regard to watching the mind, one thing I’ve observed is a little strange, and I was hoping to get other’s experiences. I like to watch the movement of my attention. Nothing abstract, just to observe where attention is aimed - it takes a mere 30 seconds of watching. What I’ve noticed, is it moves around, seemingly without my input, and lacking any conscious intent (a concept the blog post makes a point to reclaim).…
Observing where attention is aimed is a form of meditation. What you observed is something I have experienced as well. It is normal and expected.
I have enjoyed reading "The Mind Illuminated" by John Yates. The book is a meditation guide and includes descriptions of experiences like yours.
Re: The quiet art of attention
#257Earlier quoted context omitted.
I do improvized couples dancing, and have experienced time slowing down. It is an unique kind of experience, not just a different conceptualization of an everyday experience. Buddhists say that you are where your attention is. So if a sound captures 100% of my attention, I am that sound. This feels strange on the surface, but when you look deeper into it, it reveals deep wisdom about the human experience. In my under…
In sports/competition isn't what you've described the ability to both execute technically extremely precisely while having presence of mind to dictate the flow of the game?
This is a complex question. I have found the book "Inner game of tennis" very interesting in this regard. The book is by a coach for world-class athletes. If you try it for yourself, you will learn that your analytical mind cannot micromanage your body to even lift a spoon from the table.
Re: The quiet art of attention
#258Lovely writing, beautiful prose, and more importantly, very cogently argued for a more meditative, attentive life.
The thoughts expressed aren't entirely new; indeed Buddhism has been teaching this for millennia (or two). But, good to read this now and then to be reminded of a more deliberate, slow(er) and intent-ful life.
Kudos! <3
Re: The quiet art of attention
#259Earlier quoted context omitted.
I do improvized couples dancing, and have experienced time slowing down. It is an unique kind of experience, not just a different conceptualization of an everyday experience. Buddhists say that you are where your attention is. So if a sound captures 100% of my attention, I am that sound. This feels strange on the surface, but when you look deeper into it, it reveals deep wisdom about the human experience. In my under…
you have described my experience succinctly and eloquently. it is a profound event that feels like a whole-body centering. thank you for this.
Thank you.
Re: The quiet art of attention
#260Focus , one I am struggling with recently, central theme and I read this at right time. Thank you for writing this