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== Overview ==
{{Trail
{{Map Info Box
|Type=Trail
|Name={{PAGENAME}}
|Name={{PAGENAME}}
|image=Learn-About-Attention.jpg
|Background=
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=== What are Trails? ===
{{Trails Overview}}
 
=== What is Attention? ===
=== What is Attention? ===
{{:Attention Overview}}
{{Attention Overview}}
 
|Nutshell=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.
=== Where will this Trail take you? ===
|Landmark1=Use Sounds to be Present
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.
|Landmark2=Acknowledge Negative Emotions Without Judgment
 
|Landmark3=Notice Multiple Sensations
== Step 1 - Learn About Presence ==
|Destination=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 [[Landmarks]] that are in the [[Enrollment]] Realm that can assist you further.
 
During this step, 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.
 
=== Skill: Use Sounds to be Present ===
* You're outside, maybe walking your dog, or sitting in your backyard. It's a regular part of your day.
* As you're enjoying your surroundings, let your mind wander freely. Let it daydream.
* Amidst the daydreaming, bring your attention to the sounds around you.
* The distant sound of traffic, the rustling leaves, the birds singing - tune into one of these sounds, whichever one you like.
* Each time a particular sound catches your attention, let it pull you out of your daydream, anchoring you back to reality.
* Acknowledge the thought or daydream that was interrupted by the sound, let it go, then return to listening.
* Continue this practice of allowing sounds to interrupt your daydreams, noting the shift in your attention.
* Reflect on how the sounds around you can serve as tools to bring you back to the present moment.
* Incorporate this practice into your regular outdoor time to cultivate the habit of using sounds as anchors to reality.
 
=== 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?
 
== Step 2 - TODO ==
 
=== Lookouts ===
 
=== Skill: "Cup of Thoughts" - Thoughts can be observed ===
 
=== Checkpoints ===
 
== Step 3 - TODO ==
 
=== Lookouts ===
 
=== Skill: "Sound Soak" - Sounds can pull you out of a daydream ===
 
 
=== Checkpoints ===
 
 
 
TODO - select the two
* '''Lookout: Observation of Thoughts:''' As you go about your day, you'll begin to see how you can observe your own thoughts like a bystander, not a participant.
* '''Lookout: Mind Clutter:''' Throughout your journey, notice the clutter in your mind and the constant chatter of thoughts.
* '''Lookout: Emotion Observation:''' You'll become more aware of your emotions as entities separate from your core being, observing them come and go.
* '''Lookout: Impermanence of Thoughts and Emotions:''' Notice that your thoughts and emotions, regardless of their intensity at the moment, inevitably pass away.
* '''Lookout: 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.
* '''Lookout: Awakening from Daydreams:''' Observe how ambient sounds can serve as anchors, pulling you out of your daydreams and bringing you back to reality.
 
==== Skill: "Commuter's Calm" - Emotions can be observed ====
* Start your daily commute just like any other day.
* As you sit in your car, or on the bus or train, notice how you're feeling.
* If it's frustration at the traffic or annoyance at the crowds, let it bubble up.
* Instead of fighting it, recognize it. Say to yourself, "I'm feeling frustrated," or, "I'm feeling annoyed."
* Notice how this emotion feels in your body. Is your grip on the steering wheel tighter? Are your shoulders tense?
* As your journey continues, pay attention to how these feelings shift and change. Do they intensify? Do they fade? Does a new emotion replace the old one?
* Each time your mind drifts away from observing your emotions, gently bring it back.
* When you finally reach your destination, take a moment to sit still and take a few deep breaths.
* Use this usually stressful time to become more in tune with your emotions and their transient nature.
 
 
 
==== Skill: "Mindful Munching" - You can focus on what is in front of you ====
* When it's time for your next meal, sit down at your table with your plate of food.
* Before you begin eating, take a moment to appreciate the sight and smell of your food.
* As you pick up your fork, bring your attention to the act of eating.
* Pay attention to each bite - the flavors, the texture, the sensation of chewing and swallowing.
* When your mind wanders, notice where it goes, then gently guide it back to your eating.
* Even if your mind wanders a hundred times, bring it back a hundred times.
* Practice this each time you eat. With time, you'll find it easier to keep your mind on the task at hand.
* Clean up after your meal, maintaining your focus on the present moment.
 
 
 
=== Checkpoints ===
* '''Checkpoint: Observation of Thoughts:''' Can you now see thoughts arise, exist, and pass away without getting entangled in them?
* '''Checkpoint: Mind Clutter:''' Are you more aware of the constant chatter in your mind, and can you let it be without getting swept up in it?
* '''Checkpoint: Emotion Observation:''' Can you identify emotions as they surface and observe them without being consumed by them?
* '''Checkpoint: Impermanence of Thoughts and Emotions:''' Do you recognize the transitory nature of your thoughts and emotions?
 
== Destination ==
TODO
 
{{#set:
Beacons=Attention
|Milestones=Learning
}}
}}
[[Category:Trails|{{Category Marker}}]]
{{Page Type|Type=Trail|Name={{PAGENAME}}}}