Attention is of paramount importance. A person establishes a connection with the object of their attention and also with those for whom they are the object of attention. An easily accessible online experiment shows comparative footage. In one, a father dedicates time to his one- or two-year-old child while they play, eat, etc. In the other, the same father is holding a mobile phone and merely "going through the motions" with his child. The child's reactions and facial expressions are remarkably different. In the first scenario, the child is joyful, warm, and full of life; in the second, somewhat sad, disappointed, and eventually numb, as if it has ceased to expect anything from the father. This is true for all the people we love. Many of us have perhaps felt such a lack. It remains etched forever, and maybe subconsciously, we establish relationships with new people in ways we are accustomed to, because we haven't been accustomed to attention or love. You cannot love someone without paying attention to them, without investing yourself in the relationship. This principle applies universally. Christ succinctly expressed this truth: "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Attention is directed towards what you consider most valuable, to what you deem most precious. If your attention is on some distraction because you are afraid to face real problems and your true self, then question what you are doing with your time and how long you intend to continue. Sometimes mere seconds can determine someone's life and, if it ends, their eternity. Seconds are fleeting, heartbeats have an expiration date. As you read this, numerous breaths, eye movements, and thoughts have passed. Value all of this. Attention is crucial. On their deathbed, many regret not having paid more attention to those they love. I don't think anyone has ever wished they had spent more time arguing on the internet. During liturgy, we often hear the call: "Let us attend!" We are called to direct our thoughts, hearts, feelings, our whole being – towards eternal and enduring things. But it is equally
important to pay attention to the moments. Sometimes I go fishing with a friend, as a complete amateur. Often, we simply sit in silence. One might think, you are just watching the float, but the truth is you are paying attention to the life that is before you and within you. The trees, the still water, the small animals, the scents of the plants, the sounds of nature, the warmth of the sun on your face – there it is, a sacred moment, surrendering to the present. The Holy Liturgy may transcend the here and now, reaching everywhere, and beyond, and into the ages of ages. But when the Liturgy resides in your soul even after its final "Amen," you know that those moments, that surrender and floating on the waves of the present, are leading you into eternity. And in a certain way, eternity is already here. However, if a person is tense, if their attention is scattered, if it is everywhere – then ultimately, it is nowhere. That is why the internet is as dangerous as it is useful, depending on how it is used. Scattered attention is a scattered person. This is why the most difficult tasks are those that require simultaneous attention to many problems. That is why picking pears this summer both relaxed and exhausted me. My muscles burned but many anxieties were calmed. Your sole focus for eight hours is to pick a pear. Your mind is not scattered. Then your heart follows. You find almost childlike satisfaction in a job well done. Although no one will particularly praise or notice it, nor do you have a career or a particularly good salary, you are satisfied, even joyful – at least until the job exhausts you, which is another topic. I am not idealizing physical labor, but it can certainly be beneficial. Our attention today is so scattered, and children face increasing problems with it. It is becoming seriously concerning. Their attention span lasts as long as an online reel, a minute, and they would gladly scroll past the teacher if they could, lacking patience when they cannot. Children grow up surrounded by countless distractions. If their closest ones do not first set an example and then show them where their attention should be directed, or at least how to control it, we will face more and more psychological and spiritual problems, and believe me, I am not exaggerating. We overcomplicate things. I have so greatly complicated my own life, I cannot promise I won't continue to do so because I am so weak. Our weakness and sin always complicate, while God simplifies. He gathers our attention. And it becomes so simple, dear Lord, how simple it is! I am ashamed of how often I drift away from God's revelations and become enslaved to human society and its ideas, often so pathetic, sorrowful, and repulsive, without elevating myself above anyone, and without following behavior unworthy of the Christian calling. Attention is important. A person, whether adult or child (although children are more susceptible), over time accepts with their mind and heart (for both participate in attention) what their attention is directed towards. The media knows this very well and let’s not doubt they have strategies for manipulation. If we allow them, they cook us like frogs, we won’t even notice, and we are already served. We, adults, easily fall for it if we are exposed long enough, let alone children. That is why parents must pay the most attention. How, I don’t know, I am not a parent, but I would always recommend healthy, sincere, consistent attention that they show to their children. Without that, there is no talk of further steps. If a parent or guardian does not love and educate their children, the internet and media, the street and society will "educate" them. Simply give attention to those you love. Let us attend.
Marko Radakovic
Translated by Angie Frangos
Коментари