Turning the Attention Inward
I thought it was my mind looking for something to do, but it turned out my attention simply wanted something to be interested in.
Last week I went on a short silent meditation retreat — no phone, no computer, no communication at all. Just me, alone with myself.
After unpacking and settling in, I noticed something unexpected: I was looking for something to do.
But there was nothing to do. I’d taken care of everything before I left. No emails pending. No tasks undone. So what was this disquiet? Was I still stuck in a “doing mode,” scanning for the next thing to occupy myself with? The mind didn’t seem to care what it latched onto — writing a post, doing a crossword, making plans. It just wanted to be engaged.
Looking more closely, I realized it was actually my attention that wanted to be engaged. Attention is like the spotlight of consciousness, always bringing into focus some or other aspect of my experience. Now it was roaming, hungry for something to be interested in.
But there wasn’t one.
So I tried something. I inwardly asked my attention: “How would it be if you simply listened to the sound of silence in my mind?”
The response was immediate. “Oh yes. I can do that.”
And so began my retreat.
More reflections like this in my new book, How to Meditate Without Even Trying — allowing meditation to be effortless, more effective, and more enjoyable. Pre-order now.
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Peter, I love the reframe of dialoging with the mind as a cooperative friend rather than a wild monkey refusing to be tamed. I've heard the wild monkey metaphor for so many decades that I enter the silence of my mind ready to go to battle with a force greater than me. Next time I will remember to make a friendly suggestion. The path of least resistance, as you so often say.
"So I tried something. I inwardly asked my attention: “How would it be if you simply listened to the sound of silence in my mind?”"
Reading these words, I asked my attention the same question.
Just like that, the spotlight of attention turned around and was quite contented to listen to the silence within. Thank you, Peter.