The Progression of Attention Training

Many people who are just starting the practice of Awakened Attention are astonished and dismayed that they are unable to stay attentive and present to experience for more than a few moments. To the new practitioner this is both disappointing and an unknown blessing.

It is disappointing because they usually believe that i) they don't have much unconscious mental activity occuring, but even practice of short duration shows otherwise, and ii) it should be easy to master the practice with only a few attempts.

It is a blessing because this beginning period of practice can be a wonderfully beneficial experience, the beginning to a new way of Life.

Awakened Attention and THE Mind

The problem with the mind does not usually involve the content of the mind, but rather attention lost in the content of the mind. Attention is often lost in the mind, in stories, dramas, fantasies, and memories. When attention is lost in the mind, we suffer the effects of the body’s reactions to whatever the mind is displaying. If attention is lost in a mental story of catastrophe or regret, it will register in the body as if the story is true and is happening now, rather than conceptually in the mind. If that same story is happening but attention is not lost in it, the story may be seen for what it is, which is a spontaneous display of mental activity. What this means is this (are you ready?): You are not doing it. The mind is not yours. The mind has a life of it’s own. This is an absolutely essential understanding, and can only be seen and deeply known through repeated observation of the mind. When the mind is observed for any length of time, it become obvious that 'it', the mind, is not ‘mine.’

Properly seen, this leads to the important understanding than can be summarized as, "THE activity of THE mind causes THE suffering". This is in complete contrast to "MY mental activity of MY mind causes MY suffering." (Sorry about the caps)

Watching the Sleepy Ways of Others

To be awake means to be aware, alert and attentive, not lost in mental activity or drifting in a hazy cloud of nothingness.

One excellent way to solidify and deepen our efforts in waking up is to observe others.

On your next trip to a mall or park or other place suitable for ‘people-watching’, find a good spot to sit to observe the passer-byers.

First, allow your mind to become still by focusing on your breath’s for a few moments. Then, as your thinking settles down, start to observe the passer-byers with an open curiosity. See if you can get a sense of if they are awake or not.

This is not about being malicious or judgmental, but about simply being awake and curious enough to see if you can ‘detect’ if others are awake or asleep. Do they appear full in their eyes and body, or is their attention lost in the head? Are they aware of their physical location in relation to others? Can you spot people that are either completely oblivious or over-involved with their present tasks.

Watch your own thoughts about those you are observing. See of you can catch your mind making subtle judgements or commenting on the appearance of others. Notice how the mind does it all on its own. Notice how when you catch the mind judging or commenting, it stops.

Awakened Attention is the key to silencing the mind.