“Attention is so valuable we don’t just give it, we pay attention. It’s like money.”
John Ortberg
I love this quote! It was referenced in a book called “A Love Like That” by Dr. Les Parrot.
What are you paying attention to? What are you NOT paying attention to?
Paying attention is a choice.
From paying attention to our surroundings, to paying attention to the people in our lives (I mean really connecting and being present), or the work we do, are we choosing to pay attention to what’s important?
I really like to hike. Don’t do it as often as I would like to, but that makes the times I get out there that much sweeter.
While hiking, I could put my ear buds in and just hike up the trail without really paying attention to my surroundings, seeing and appreciating the beauty around me. Many people do just that – makes me wonder why they bother to hike – they are missing so much! Or, I could really take it in and appreciate the sights, sounds, and smells along the way. My choice is to be present in that moment and appreciate what’s around me.
I enjoy noticing squirrels checking me out, darting across my path, lizards sunning themselves on a nearby rock, hearing birds calling from the trees, critters rustling in the undergrowth, and sometimes water rushing in a river along the trail. Nature has her own music, and it is so nice to spend some time just paying attention to it.
On one particular hike, a huge doe came out of the trees onto the path right in front of me, then bounded down and across to the other side and disappeared into the trees and scrub oak. Sadly, I was so surprised and in awe of the moment, I didn’t even think to get my phone out to take a picture until it was too late! She was beautiful and so close, if I had been walking any faster, she might have brushed up against me.
Paying attention can also help us avoid danger.
When we choose to pay attention to what is going on around us, we can often see potential trouble spots coming up ahead. Both literally and figuratively.
Paying attention while driving can avoid an accident. Paying attention while working or interacting with others can help us be aware of the dynamics going on around us, and be prepared to respond appropriately, with intention, rather than a place of reaction.
Take some time to notice how you are paying attention – or not – during your day. Are you on auto pilot? Are you thinking about something else? Are you texting on your phone while meeting with someone? Where could you more effectively invest your attention?