View source for Learn About Attention

== Overview ==
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=== What are Trails? ===
{{Trails Overview}}

=== What is Attention? ===
{{:Attention Overview}}

=== Where will this Trail take you? ===
This trail is designed to take you to a place where you have a basic understanding of the [[Attention|Beacon of Attention]], including the Lenses of Mindfulness, Non-Judgement and Presence, as well as the Credo of Experience the Now.  Once you've completed this trail, it is recommended you read through the content on the [[Attention]] page.

== Waypoint 1 - Learn About Presence ==

At this Waypoint, you will get a chance to see the difference between being present, and not being present.  This is the first step in becoming a Learner in the Beacon of Attention.

=== Lookouts ===
* ''Focusing on the Present:'' As you practice, discover how you can choose to focus solely on what is in front of you, instead of being carried away by thoughts.
* ''Awakening from Daydreams:'' Observe how ambient sounds can serve as anchors, pulling you out of your daydreams and bringing you back to reality.

{{:Use Sounds to be Present|Header=trail}}
=== Checkpoints ===
* ''Focusing on the Present:'' Can you consciously direct your focus on the present moment, particularly when your mind starts to wander?
* ''Awakening from Daydreams:'' Can you use ambient sounds as triggers to return from daydreams or distractions back to reality?

== Waypoint 2 - Learn About Non-Judgment ==
At this Waypoint, you'll discover how often we pass judgement on what goes on around us.  The example chosen is driving or commuting, but you can choose anything about your typical day that may be frustrating or boring, or mildly unpleasant in some way.  Learning about judgement is the first step in learning about Non-Judgement.

=== Lookouts ===
* ''Emotion Observation:'' You'll become more aware of your emotions as entities separate from your core being, observing them come and go.

{{:Observe Emotions Without Judgment|Header=trail}}
=== Checkpoints ===
* ''Emotion Observation:'' Can you identify emotions as they surface and observe them without judgement?

== Waypoint 3 - Learn About Mindfulness ==
At this Waypoint, you'll be introduced to the first basic concepts of practicing Mindfulness, as part of simply eating something.  There is a lot more to it, but just the simple act of paying attention to sensations is enough to help you "Experience the Now".

=== Lookouts ===
* ''Paying Attention to Sensations:'' As you eat, you will practice noticing all the sensations you encounter.

{{:Notice Multiple Sensations|Header=trail}}
=== Checkpoints ===
* ''Paying Attention to Sensations:'' Were you able to experience (and enjoy) all the sensations that made up "The Now" of eating?

== Destination ==
Congratulations, if you've completed these three Skills, and reviewed the Checkpoints, you are one Trail further along in your practice.  Now that you have a basic idea of the concept, it's recommended you read through the article about the Beacon of [[Attention]], and see if it starts to click with you.  Then, look for other [[Trails]] and [[Skills]] that are in the [[Learning]] Milestone that can assist you further.

== Resources ==
To learn more about these concepts, see the following articles.
* [https://www.mindful.org/how-present-moment-awareness-can-make-life-more-meaningful How Present-Moment Awareness Can Make Life More Meaningful]
* [https://www.mindchicago.com/articles/non-judgment-for-beginners Non-Judgment for Beginners]
* [https://www.mindful.org/meditation/mindfulness-getting-started/ Getting Started with Mindfulness]

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|Skills=Use Sounds to be Present
|Skills=Observe Emotions Without Judgment
|Skills=Notice Multiple Sensations
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