#Mindful Attention

Attention as Alchemy: Transforming the Everyday World

Consequently, preserving this transformative power requires resisting distraction. The “attention economy” (Davenport & Beck, 2001) monetizes our gaze, while Cal Newport’s Deep Work (2016) argues for protected focus. Micro-practices help: a two-minute “still look” at one object; a daily note on one overlooked detail; a phone-free walk naming five textures. Such gestures reclaim sovereignty over perception. Touching life with attention, we do not escape the ordinary—we discover how extraordinary it has been all along. [...]

The Transformative Power of Self-Attention and Care

Ultimately, weaving self-attention into our routines doesn’t require grand gestures. Simple acts—journaling, deep breathing, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea—accumulate over time, fostering inner peace and clarity. As D’Angelo suggests, these small moments are perhaps the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, laying a foundation upon which all other forms of generosity and connection are built. [...]