August 20, 2014
This issue is now obsolete. For latest references please see: KHTK Mindfulness. The specific reference that updates this issue is Inconsistency in KHTK.
This was part of a basic series of essays, which started this blog. These essays were later revised and the original versions were deleted. However, these essays were then added back to maintain a complete record.
The basic idea introduced in this essay was that of INCONSISTENCY in the form of dispersal or fixation of attention.
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This essay examines the function of attention and how it may be used as an indicator to bring about effective looking and experiencing.
Attention helps us become aware of things. Normally we can freely direct our attention and put it wherever we want. This is the optimum state of attention. Attention becomes non-optimum when it gets fixed and/or dispersed. A non-optimum attention is difficult to move around or to focus.
Underlying the state of non-optimum attention there is something that is influencing that person. Discovery of this hidden influence then helps the person regain the control of attention.
The purpose of this third issue is to develop the following skill:
PURSUE NON-OPTIMUM ATTENTION AS AN INDICATOR TO DETERMINE WHERE TO LOOK.
In other words, look more closely at the area that is causing the attention to become fixed and/or dispersed. As you become aware of the cause, your attention gets freed up from that area.
Exercise 3-1
1. Move around the house leisurely, and look at various objects, touching and feeling them, and accepting their presence.
2. Look more closely at areas that cause your attention to become fixed and/or dispersed.
3. Keep looking, without thinking or expectations, at each such object or location in the house.
4. End off when the attention is back to optimum (free).
You may repeat this exercise as often as you want.
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