Attention

Written By Casey .

Sprouting is a delicate and perilous time. Like human babies, plant babies need careful attention to cross the threshold into a semblance of sufficiency. To sprout, the soil needs to be moist, but not too wet; the light needs to be just the right intensity and length, and can vary depending on the species; and the temperatures should be warm, but not too hot, and make sure you didn’t sow the seeds too thickly or they’ll crowd each other out, and did we remember to close the gate so the chickens can’t get in, and what about those snails I saw, will they try to eat the sprouts?!

Finding the goldilocks conditions that will coax different types of seeds into sprouting and thriving goes beyond following the directions on the back of the seed packet. It requires a level of attention and devotion we seldom apply to other aspects of our fast-paced lives.

In a tangible way, plants help us to see how the quality of our relationships are nourished by the quality of our attention. An unattended seedling may not survive. A tenderly cared for garden produces more than one that is neglected. So too, with any relationship. Everything that exists is a reflection, a creation, of someone’s attention and the relationships that flowered from that attention. 

Attention is powerful. It can be used to sow new, abundant worlds built on carefully tended relationships. Or, it can be used to build systems like our current one, built on the language of commodification and “paying” attention. The cost of this payment is distraction, a feeling of scarcity, and a devaluing of reciprocity and connection.

“Attention is the beginning of devotion.” - Mary Oliver

“What we pay attention to grows.” - adrienne maree brown

These are foundational quotes for us. They speak to the powerful pathways that open up when we are intentional in our focus. Very simply, with our nature connection practice, we are trying to intentionally shift our attention. To reclaim attention as a gift rather than a scarce commodity. To focus on deep noticing, not only because it helps us better delight in the enchanting entanglements in our world, but also in service of reciprocity. Attention is as vital to our relationships as rain in the desert.

“I learned, a long time ago, about a particular saying from the continent I grew up on: “the times are urgent; let us slow down.” - Bayo Akomolafe

Especially in these fast and fractured times, what is emerging is the need to slow down. As Bayo Akomalafe says: “The idea of slowing down is not about getting answers, it is about questioning our questions.” This requires pausing for a minute…stepping off the hamster wheel…experimenting, and shapeshifting. Slowing down enough to notice - 

Where are we gifting our attention? 

What gifts of attention are we receiving? 

What relationships need attention? 

How does it feel to attend to certain beings or experiences? Does it feel good and deepen the connection? Or does it numb and distract?

The following are practices that invite you to explore the power of attention. Like taking care of a new seedling, redirecting our attention requires patience and grace. It gets easier with practice.

  • Make a list of beings you would like to give your attention to this week. Notice the quality of the attention you bring and notice any gifts of attention you receive in return. Return to the list at the end of the week. How did it go?

  • Find a being (a pet, a friend, a plant, a cloud) and sit with them, gifting your attention for five minutes. Use your senses to ground your attention. Notice their unique shape, smell, feel, sound. You can notice out loud, silently in your head, or journal.

  • Go on a scavenger hunt. Pick a theme - perhaps seeds - and notice all the seeds you see on one walk around your neighborhood, your park, or even your house. We can’t be deeply focused all the time. Instead, this practice activates soft fascination, allowing our brains to rest.

  • Plant a seed.

Soil - other readings and teachers on this subject

Casey .
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