Be Curious about your Attention

When you go online, what grabs your attention?

Did you click on a new video on a comedy channel because you want to lighten up? Did someone you admire just post an article about a topic they described as being really interesting?

What drives you to ‘like’ or ‘love’ or comment on a post?

Have you noticed whether you gravitate more towards photos, long texts or short witticisms?

Have you considered how focusing on any one of these may affect how you feel?

How do you want to feel? T

hat’s the most important question. How do you want to feel? Following that intention, guide your attention so as to cultivate the way of being that truly represents who you want to be and why you are here.

What about your broader life - in the physical world? It isn’t just social media, news or entertainment media vying for your attention. Your family, friends, pets, work colleagues, neighbors, and those in your community that share your religious, spiritual, climate change, or social justice beliefs, all these and more require your attention. That’s a lot of demand. And we haven’t even mentioned the most important – you.

When you walk in nature or read a book you are spending attention on yourself. Some people cook or do yoga, walk, hike or play a sport, meditate, listen to music or pick up an instrument. Whatever brings you joy, peace or a feeling of ease is a valuable way to spend your attention. It relaxes your mind, rekindles your spirit and opens up possibility and curiosity, inviting creativity. The world wants to hear your unique voice. Giving yourself some attention also helps inoculate you from the captivating power of viral posts tailored to program your behaviors.