Paying Attention

When you focus your awareness on someone or something, you are paying attention. You have narrowed your field of vision and chosen to look at the person or thing through mental and emotional binoculars. The object of your attention becomes your focal point. Focused attention allows you to see clearly and in finer detail. Interestingly, almost any person (or thing) to whom we pay close attention gains value in our hearts and minds.

Concentrated awareness leads to better understanding and appreciation of that to which we are attentive to. For instance, truly listening to someone and hearing them at a meaningful level adds richness and depth to the relationship. By compassionately focusing your attention on another, it’s possible to understand their thoughts, feelings, desires, and doubts more intimately. Deep understanding opens your heart. While the unknown can feel threatening or suspicious, the known is more easily lovable. Very often, to know and understand another is to love them.

Attention is an invaluable gift to give.

Excerpted from The Woman's Book of Mindfulness by Sue Patton Thoele. Available on Amazon.