Intentionally Paying Attention

     I always enjoy reading chapters from Houston & Sokolow’s Spiritual Dimensions of Leadership.  One of our assignments this week was to read Chapter 2 titled Attention.  As I began reading this chapter it became clear how closely attention and intention fit together like a hand in a glove.  The definition of attention, according to Houston & Sokolow; “Attention is a way of focusing energy—your energy: mental, physical and emotional—as well as the mental, physical and emotional energy of others.”  To focus attention all one has to do is think about it, talk about it, and write about it—in other words pay attention to it!  This chapter was a great one!  I often find myself wasting my energy on things that don’t matter and then I easily lose my focus on what is important.  I also often find myself focusing my attention on what others want me to focus on.  I all too often get caught up in the moment and forget to enjoy it.  How ironic that this chapter is titled “Attention”... I’m glad that the authors have brought this topic to my attention!

     There was a quote from this chapter that I found myself relating to concerning this past year: “If you attend to the wrong things or you are distracted in your attention and really don’t have a sense of focus or sense of purpose, you lose your purpose for being.”  It was like having one of those dark clouds lingering over me where ever I went just waiting to drench me in the insignificant things in life.  At one point I felt so negative, pessimistic and unconstructive that I was easily able to recognize that I wasn’t being the best teacher that I could be.  Maybe it was because I was so overwhelmed with everything going on around me (and even a lot of negativity from others) that I lost my focus.  I had a touch of IADD (intermittent attention deficit disorder) because I was distracted and didn’t have a sense of focus.  I am excited that I get a “do-over” for next year.

     By nature, I would describe myself as pretty positive & energetic.  However, this last year has been difficult--one that I’d like to think that I’ve learned a lot about myself.  I pride myself in immersing myself in positive environments around positive people.  I’m excited to begin a new year with a fresh, upbeat attitude where I can focus my attention on the here and now as well as the future.  I’m excited to be grounded and drive my life where I want it to go.  If I have an intention, I need to pay attention to what I need to do to make my intention happen.  I’m excited to submerge myself in my intentions for the rest of this summer to make sure that I am focused and paying attention for how I want this next year to go (and even the years to come!)