Divided Attention -Am I Doing it Right?

Divided Attention -Am I Doing it Right?

Divided attention is a foundational practice of the Fourth Way. In fact, although it is called other names, it is a foundational practice of all real schools of awakening across all traditions.

Divided attention simply means that one is simultaneously aware of one’s environment or activity and of oneself in that environment or activity.

“Am I doing it right” is a very common concern when one begins to make attempts at dividing attention. Often, one finds it difficult to focus on one’s task while trying to maintain awareness of oneself engaged in that task. This is an example of overcomplicating things, of trying to involve ‘too much’ in an effort which ought to be very simple.

Very early on, I was given some advice on how to simplify my efforts to divide attention. I was told to just ‘add one more thing’ to my awareness in the moment.

For example, one can simply be aware of the sounds that one’s activity is making. This is very simple and very effective. Chopping vegetables, opening packages, flipping light switches, having a shower, washing dishes. The possibilities are endless and the effort so simple that one can become more present in any given moment without getting lost in unnecessary details or considerations.

“… aims shrink very much when you begin to work. They start enormous—like balloons—and then they become quite small, so that you can put them in your pocket.”-Peter Ouspensky

What simple aims do you keep in your pocket?

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Image: ‘The Magician’ Tarot Card