Mindful Activism in Divisive Times

Attentional Control is Everything:

Every time we direct our focus to an anchor in the present moment, notice that it has shifted away, and then bring it back, this is like lifting weights for the mind. We can strengthen our “attention muscle” by spending time training attention. Each act of noticing the movement of mind and bringing it back is like doing another “rep.”

Attentional training gives us an opportunity to become aware of where our attention is hooked, and then to place it where we want it. Over time, we can train ourselves in “mental fitness”. This gives us the strength to unhook from our habitual patterns and the space to make an informed and calm choice about what is needed.