Paying Attention

One simple distinction which I have found very helpful with "Attention" is - it can be either "Given" or "Taken". It seems that in the modern world most of the time our attention is taken, often on random inessential things that randomly "pop up" into awareness. Some attention grabbers like "a fire alarm" are of course useful but most are not. What we need to cultivate is the ability to remain present enough so we can "give" our attention to where it is needed. And a great simple question to ask is - "Where is my attention needed now?" - simple, effective and important!