Attention

Attention is a big thing in any humans life, without attention there would not be any variety in humans. The reason there are so many different types of people is because each individual chooses to give their attention to something, someplace, or someone. Attention can be listening and understanding to when someone is speaking or watching one display an action. There is also another way to give your attention. Imagine this: You are walking with a group of people, a green bird flies past you and the group. You turn your head and watch the bird as is flies past you. After the bird has gone, you notice that no one else looked at the green bird. If each of those people were asked if they saw a green bird, some would say, it was seen in a quick glance, others saw it but not long enough to notice it was green and others wouldn't have been aware that there was even a bird in the first place. That is the type attention that I want to focus on.

Why did that bird cause you to turn your head? My non-researched theory is that, our past is what influences what we will give our attention to in the future. Let's say that when you were younger you went to visit your grandma, she was excited to show you her new bird that she bought. When she showed you the green parrot, it pecked at your grandmas finger and flew off into the sky. So years later a green bird flew by. Without thinking about it you look up and follow it. You still go on with your day not giving any thought on why the bird got your attention. This happens numerous times throughout the day, while sitting at your desk, walking to the mailbox. This can and does happen at anytime of the day at any location. As the days go by and you live your life going to school and work. Talking with people and gaining new experiences little and small. Your attention is everywhere!

Subtle moments like that with the green bird shape the way we will be become. The amount of attention we give begins to transform from subtle moments to commitments that can make or break someone. Depending on how much you were worried about your grandmothers green bird flying away may have had a huge impact in your life. You may have gained a bit of interest on why the bird pecked at your grandmothers hand and fled. Then from there on you would begin to occasionally notice behavior of the different types of birds in your neighborhood. It begins to progress, you check out a book about birds at the library. You choose a favorite kind of bird. (All this happening as you are in your late elementary and junior high years) You begin to look up towards the sky and give second glances at moving branches in trees as you walk by a park or sitting in a moving car. Later as you grow, you have this interest in the avian world, but this is still in the subtle side. When asked 'what do you like?' you still have to think about what it is that you like. Birds may be the 3rd or 4th answer you give. But still subconsciously, you give your attention to the flocks of birds you encounter day by day. That day comes where you see the green bird fly by while you walk with your friends. That glance wasn't because you checked out a book at the library or that you know names of at least 5 different species of birds that live in your town. The reason is because you were there to see your grandmas bird fly way, years ago. throughout high school you slowly discover that you like being outdoors, family camping trips are always something to look forward to. When you graduate you begin to look over the class catalog and see there is a bird watching class. You feel that it may be a nice class because you get to be outdoors and also get school credit. Then as you continue your college years birds is something that you now begin to realize is getting you attention. Zoology is now a possibility in your future to one day put food on your table. And that day happens.

If you read all of this thanks, it was just a ramble about nothing.