Notes on " Paying Attention: What is my why?"

22/01/2025
eDialogue


The Invitation

Topic:
Paying Attention: What is my "why"?

There is a saying, "What we pay attention to grows." (1) When we are unaware of what we are paying attention to, we are unaware of what we allow to grow and thrive inside us. Being aware of why we focus on something requires insight and self-understanding. Focusing openly on the "why" of acceptance and learning creates continuous movement in the very nature of the mind and soul.

See the note below for further consideration on "the open-focused brain." (2)

1) Deepak Chopra:
"What you pay attention to grows. If your attention is attracted to negative sensations and emotions, then they will grow in your awareness."

2) Suggested by a participant:
General Summary of The Open-Focus Brain: Harnessing the Power of Attention to Heal Mind and Body

The book by Les Fehmi and Jim Robbins explores the central role of attention in mental and physical health, highlighting the Open-Focus method as a tool to alleviate stress, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being.

Core Principles of Open-Focus:

  1. Types of Attention: The book distinguishes between narrow focus, predominantly used in modern society, and Open Focus, which promotes relaxation and well-being.
  2. Physiological and Emotional Impact: Attention styles directly affect brainwave patterns, influencing muscle tension, heart rate, and emotions.
  3. Attentional Rigidity: Over-reliance on narrow focus can lead to stress accumulation, causing anxiety, chronic pain, and emotional issues.

Open-Focus Method:
Fehmi developed exercises based on neurofeedback to train the brain to achieve relaxed attention states. These exercises promote alpha wave synchrony, associated with relaxation and creativity.

Benefits of Open-Focus:

  • Dissolution of physical and emotional pain.
  • Reduction of anxiety and depressive symptoms.
  • Improvement in relationships and daily performance.
  • Greater sense of integration and presence in the moment.

AI Summary:
As always, AI uses words to capture the nuances of dialogue, but since dialogue is more a process than the product of words, it can never actually capture dialogue. This is good for us humans, as we at least remain in control of something! (Or not, depending on our focus!)

Participants came from Copenhagen, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States, including New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Washington DC, and California.


Meeting Summary for eDialogue (01/19/2025)

Quick Recap

The topic grew from a suggestion of Reflection of Attention and Love. Participants explored the importance of the inner why:

  • Why do I focus and pay attention?
  • What is my purpose?
  • What captures my attention?
  • How do I feel?

Summary

My Why

  • A participant shared a story about family photos and noticed her attention was on how she looked rather than the group. Her why was based only on her appearance. Once she became aware, she could change her focus.
  • Another participant shared her mantra to focus on what is good and valuable to the world, expanding from her interests and concerns. She realized that everything was energy and needed to focus on where she placed her energy and thoughts.
  • One participant mentioned knowing her why best when listening to inner sensations. When her why is open, curious, and interested, she feels relaxed and permeable. When her why is defensive, she feels closed and unwilling to take anything in.

The Importance of Focus and Attention

  • A participant who is a teacher noted the difference between students often lies in their ability to maintain focus, not just intelligence.
  • One participant highlighted how devices change focus.
  • Another added that modern media, like commercials, breaks content into smaller segments, impacting focus spans.
  • A participant shared his experience of intense focus on tax returns, contrasting it with open focus. He mentioned his spiritual teacher's ability to focus deeply while remaining aware of the surroundings.
  • One participant used a baseball analogy to describe different focus types: focusing on the ball versus the entire field.

Open-Focus

  • A participant noted the value of open focus for relaxation.
  • Another described focusing on his yerba mate ritual, akin to meditation, where he pays attention to the pot, the water, and the process step-by-step.
  • One participant shared poems and reflections from Simone Weil:
    • "Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity."
    • "Absolutely unmixed attention is prayer."

Changing Focus

  • A participant shared how varying daily commutes helps deepen awareness and connection to the world.
  • Another observed that over-concentration can lead to anxiety.
  • One participant reflected on the movie My Dinner with Andre, where a character realizes he overlooked the sadness in his wife's face in a treasured photo.

Focus, Attention, and Intention in Life

  • A participant shared reflections on attention and love, emphasizing the importance of observing where and how we focus.
  • Others discussed the law of attention: "What you focus on attracts you."
  • Social media’s impact on attention spans and the need for balance were highlighted.
  • Another participant shared the Cherokee story of the two wolves: "The one that grows is the one you feed."
  • A participant emphasized the importance of paying attention to inner thoughts and questioning why one thinks in certain ways.

Effective Energy Use and Presence

  • A participant shared the quote, "Where attention flows, energy goes," noting the importance of being fully present.
  • Another shared that being present enhances relationships and empathy.

Concentration, Language, and Brain Rewiring

  • One participant quoted Richard Feynman: "Knowledge is not free. You have to pay attention."
  • Another noted the impact of external chaos on her ability to concentrate.

Open Focus and Dialogue

  • A participant highlighted the role of open focus in suspending thought during dialogue, fostering openness and connection.

References and Resources
(1) Japanese Tea Ceremony: A Moment of Ritual
(2) Simone Weil: Absorbed in the Light
(3) My Dinner With Andre
(4) What You Water Grows
(5) The Cherokee Story of the Two Wolves
(6) The Celestine Prophecy
(7) Richard Feynman