many moments of deeper attention

“To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work,” said the master of turning her attention into beautiful poetry - Mary Oliver.

On this morning, our friend Eid, was a master at paying attention on where to find and gather the wood (using only dead branches as not to harm the living bush), placing a large stone in the right place to protect the fire from the wind, putting the correct portion of leaves in the pot with bottled water, and knowing when the brew was not too bitter or too weak. All for a small cup of afternoon tea. 

To direct our attention on a task with self-awareness is a way to become more conscious, according to Gurdjieff, 20th century spiritual teacher. Other traditions have called it “being present.” 

The tea is perfect. The rock digging into my back is uncomfortable. I get up, sit closer to the fire, thank Eid and Rabia for this precious moment, and we all continue drinking our tea with joy in the moment.

Paying attention was an instruction from Oliver for living a life. The other 2 are: be astonished and tell about it. 

Wishing you many moments of deeper attention.