Awareness requires attention. Paying attention. With all of today’s distractions, attention is now truly an art.
Paying attention has become a lesser-held quality - a fading art. Without paying attention, we cannot cultivate consciousness. Without consciousness, there is no empathy. Without empathy, what kind of world would we be living in?
The art of attention includes listening, paying attention to others, and paying attention to oneself.
Equally.
Taking time within each moment throughout the day to focus on how we are with ourselves is part of this art. These moments range from our tasks at hand to how we speak to ourselves, and how we communicate - or do not - with those around us. The way we speak to ourselves is a sure indicator of the way we speak to, and of, others. These acts of awareness illustrate whether we are capable of stepping out of our own shoes and into those of another. Without this capability, there is no empathy. There is no consciousness. And what a world this would make.
Listen. Listen deeply.
Even when we think we are listening to someone, we can usually drop in a little more.
Listen. Listen to our thoughts.
Listen to our bodies. The body communicates with us in a way that the mind never will.
Stop talking. Listen. Like, really listen. Notice. Pay attention.
We all have moments of needing to express ourselves - talking over others, not fully listening, needing to be the comedian, the star, the life of the party, or the Instaham. Even those who lean more introverted than extroverted, desire these moments of being seen and heard. It is truly a give and take.
The concern is today’s severe imbalance.
The smartphone alone greatly shortened our attention spans.
Oh, this isn’t fun anymore.
Swipe right.
As holistic health professionals, we hold many tools and techniques that we share with clients to cultivate awareness in order to better themselves and their relations. But our society's lack of attention span has intensified rather tremendously. When those closest to us are not slowing down enough to notice what’s going on around them, how can we show up in a better way?
How can we better meet each other where we are to truly connect in order to progress? Progression is where we find fulfillment. In this, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let's discuss. I am passionate about saving this seemingly dying art of attention. No pun intended, I’m all ears.
“A wise man once said nothing.” ~Proverb