I find that attention is more easily directed when it is combined with appreciation. I see this appreciation as having two aspects; seeing the value in something and allowing it to affect my perception. It starts with something as simple as the breath. I become curious about these sensations so my attention can easily stay with them, and then the breath starts to calm my perception. I'm walking outside and I become interested in a tree, I notice how the details are irresolvable, and my perception is altered by this.
I love that, and it's spot on with what has been one of the most influential teachings of my practice: whenever there's distraction, come back to appreciation. Then notice what inviting appreciation does to experience. And noticing how appreciation can arise on a gradient - simple engagement with what's here on the low end, massive love-infused gratitude on the high end. Thank you for breaking it down so elegantly.
Dear Alex, I have read this and subscribed to the paid tier. I feel this is the least I can do to show my appreciation to those deep insights you communicate in such elegant yet very intuitive (to me) way. Cannot wait to see what you bring next! Best wishes and much love bro
I love 99% of this and I get what you're pointing at with the analogy, but -- if you have a blister forming on your toe, attend to it! The same way, when there's a low-hanging branch on the trail ahead, please, love yourself enough to duck under it, rather than allow it to decorate your face with a collection of novel sensations to observe with equanimity. We can train attention, we can train luck; we can certainly train our gait, and buy shoes that fit.
I find that attention is more easily directed when it is combined with appreciation. I see this appreciation as having two aspects; seeing the value in something and allowing it to affect my perception. It starts with something as simple as the breath. I become curious about these sensations so my attention can easily stay with them, and then the breath starts to calm my perception. I'm walking outside and I become interested in a tree, I notice how the details are irresolvable, and my perception is altered by this.
I love that, and it's spot on with what has been one of the most influential teachings of my practice: whenever there's distraction, come back to appreciation. Then notice what inviting appreciation does to experience. And noticing how appreciation can arise on a gradient - simple engagement with what's here on the low end, massive love-infused gratitude on the high end. Thank you for breaking it down so elegantly.
Rob Burbea descripes this so simply and beautifully when he says “what you love, loves you.”
Thank you 🙏
Your post inspire !
Thank you so much, Barbara <3
Dear Alex, I have read this and subscribed to the paid tier. I feel this is the least I can do to show my appreciation to those deep insights you communicate in such elegant yet very intuitive (to me) way. Cannot wait to see what you bring next! Best wishes and much love bro
Audrius, hell yes, and thank you! I deeply appreciate your support.
Love this. Thanks for being an influence in my life to align my attention with my agency.
Thank you, glad to be in practice with you.
I love 99% of this and I get what you're pointing at with the analogy, but -- if you have a blister forming on your toe, attend to it! The same way, when there's a low-hanging branch on the trail ahead, please, love yourself enough to duck under it, rather than allow it to decorate your face with a collection of novel sensations to observe with equanimity. We can train attention, we can train luck; we can certainly train our gait, and buy shoes that fit.