Attention
Definition:
The directional focus of awareness.
If Consciousness is the field, and Awareness is the spotlight, then Attention is where the spotlight is aimed.
Nature:
Attention is selective: it highlights some appearances while leaving others in the background.
Attention energizes what it rests on — beliefs, emotions, or perceptions gain strength and persistence when fed attention.
Attention is finite: what is given attention grows vivid, what is not attended fades from experience.
Mechanics:
Selection: Attention chooses the “channel” of experience from the field of possibilities.
Amplification: What attention rests on resonates more strongly, creating feedback loops (positive or negative).
Identification: When attention fuses with a thought, it feels like “me.” When attention loosens, thoughts are seen as passing appearances.
Retuning: Shifting attention = tuning consciousness awarenessinto a new frame of reality.
Hijack: Ego loops and external narratives compete for attention, reinforcing themselves by keeping awareness hooked.
Metaphor:
Consciousness is the night sky. Awareness is the flashlight beam. Attention is the choice of which star you point it at.
Or: Consciousness is the theater stage, Awareness is the spotlight, Attention is which actor is lit up.