How Do I Pay Attention?

“Attention” comes from the Latin word attendere, which means “to attend.” That is a big clue in terms of what it means for mindfulness practice!

Mindfulness is simply paying attention to what’s happening right now. To pay attention to this moment means to attend this moment.

What does it mean to “attend this moment?” Well, we attend a meeting or an event by showing up to it. In the same way, we attend this moment by showing up. And what does “show up” mean? It means that we are present.

In a classroom or meeting, the teacher or meeting leader would take attendance by calling roll. Margaret? “Present.” John? “Present.” Susie? “Present.”

So, paying attention to this moment, attending this moment, showing up to this moment, means we are present. Interestingly, that is also the word for the here-and-now: “The present.”

When we sit down to do our mindfulness practice, or throughout the busyness of each day, can we recognize each moment as an invitation?  Do we choose to accept the invitation to attend, to be present and attentive in this moment? Or do we choose to be absent?

That choice is entirely up to us: In this moment, are we going to be absent-minded, or present-minded?

Mindfulness practice is learning to make that choice in an intentional way, and doing that over and over again. Bringing our attention back to this moment, over and over again. Showing up in this moment, attending this moment, over and over again.