Title: When Attention Settles

Author: Piyush Bhatnagar

Genre: Spiritual nonfiction

 

In When Attention Settles, Piyush Bhatnagar draws our attention to the very matter of attention itself. He carefully demonstrates how when we consume too much of our time, effort, energy, and focus on attention, we complicate life with added strain. By learning more awareness of this fact and a few simple techniques, life can continue as always but with less demand and stress.

Bhatnagar raises a point that is so common that it is easily overlooked. Like a fish not realizing it’s swimming in water because it’s everywhere, we usually don’t contemplate the deeper meaning behind attention. As conscious beings, we can’t not have our attention turned on during waking hours, but our very attention is often distracted.

The author uses the example of thinking about what we want to say in reply to someone during a conversation and therefore lose track of actually listening to the person who is speaking. This is universally relatable. We hear the phrase “be in the moment,” yet many times, we simply aren’t. Even during something as relaxing as getting a massage, the mind wanders. How many times have we had trouble falling asleep or woken up in the middle of the night, unable to fall back asleep because our minds are racing with all of tomorrow’s tasks?

Through many Far Eastern techniques Bhatnagar highlights, he gently invites the reader to relax and to allow attention to settle. This is where meditation is effective, even in small amounts. When we consciously stop trying so hard to be in control, the effort loosens, and attention softens. Life still unfolds around us, much of it beyond our control, but there is a beauty and a freedom in releasing control. We may think that by worrying about something or trying to control it that we are doing something. After all, productivity is the measure of success in our culture. While working hard is commendable, no one on their death bed says they wished they worked more, cleaned their house more, or ran more errands. They wish they had slowed down and spent more time with loved ones or just taken time to breathe in nature.

Life will never be less demanding. We will still have responsibilities and deadlines, but a life well lived isn’t about success in the terms society would tell us. This is such common sense, and while the author isn’t raising anything new here, which he admits, it’s a much-needed reminder. The book is just over 24,000 words, so it’s a swift, easy read and can be something a person refers back to when needed.

Bhatnagar includes a few graphics that are helpful to summarize his points on the techniques, as well as thought-provoking questions to go deeper. These are helpful inclusions.

Throughout the book, the author often states “begin to” before a verb. While there is a place for this when wishing to emphasize starting a new habit, the repetitiveness of the phrase is overused. Simply stating the desired verb without “begin to” gets right to the point with more effect and doesn’t slow the pace.

When Attention Settles is a needed reminder to slow down throughout daily living. Bhatnagar brings our attention back to attention itself in a gentle, coaxing manner that acts as an invitation to step into a life with less stress. When Attention Settles is a universal book that anyone can find truth, helpful advice, and practical tips within its pages.

 

 

 

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