Attention Abundance
In this technology age, our attention is a commodity that is fought over every second. Our focus is parsed and spread amongst an ever increasing array of options, all mediated through our devices. This exercise is designed to offer a small tech “holiday” and give your attention an opportunity to re-align itself to what is before and around us in reality.
What You’ll Need
· 2 pieces of paper or your journal
· A drawing pen or marker
· Your full attention and curiosity!
Time: 5-10 minutes
Instructions
1. Take a moment to breathe and settle into your space – your chair, table or desk, room.
2. Now, look around your space. Take your time. Let your gaze slowly travel around the room for one minute.
3. Let your eyes settle on something that draws your attention or interest, for any reason.
4. On one of your pieces of paper or in your journal, take a few minutes to make a simple drawing of that object. This is not a test of your artistic skill! The goal here is to use drawing to sharpen your attention on the object and its details.
5. On a separate piece of paper, describe the object — What drew you to it? What is it? How did you come by it? What is its utility to you? What details do you notice about it? What is its meaning or value to you?
6. Now, consider this object as a metaphor. How might this object describe your experience now (this day, this week, this month, this season, this year, or this phase of your life)? Write for a few minutes about this question and the time horizon that is meaningful to you.
7. Given your reflections, what message might this object have for you? This might be a new insight, question, or an action.
8. To close the exercise, take a few quiet breaths and appreciate what you have learned.