This past month I have had the privilege of exploring the theme of Paying Attention with our Youth Group in preparation for their upcoming Youth Sunday service. Our conversations explored the Attention Economy, what it is and how it works, and that topic, well it just slayed.
Our intake of world issues constantly tugs at our focus and heightens our anxiety. Every social media scroll, every news update, every subscription ping is part of a global economic system where our distraction is the commodity. The modern attention economy is built on monetizing human focus and is a massive industry worth over $100 billion annually.
Our time is valuable, yet attention may be a truer measure of value. Someone can be physically with us yet not mentally present or spiritually engaged. When it happens, we know it at our core as we feel it is more than the time offered; it is the quality of attention that holds meaning and connection. Kairos time rather than Chronos time.
Spiritually, our attention is sacred; it is much more than a scarce economic resource. Attention to people builds relationships and community. Attention to our inner life shapes our meaning making, wellbeing and our sense of purpose. As we strive to be caregivers for our families, our community, ourselves, and our world, it is our awareness that guides and strengthens all our efforts.
Cultivating meaningful attention takes practice, one we nurture together. I know, it is almost always those I love that tug me away from screens to being present with them, for which I am always grateful, even if a bit reluctant. This month, I warmly invite you to stretch into practice, perhaps with these events offered on Sundays at First Church.
March 8: Our Youth Service promises to slay and offer a chance to learn what the next generation is noticing, valuing, and focusing on. Through their lived experiences, they’ll share what matters most to them and why.
March 1, 11:30 a.m.: If you feel called to pay loving attention to the next generation, Faith Formation orientation is a wonderful place to begin!
March 29 12:30 p.m.: Mindfulness Meditation Basics with Aspen Dellutri is an open‑house session for beginners curious about exploring meditation as a way of reclaiming presence and grounding.
As we move through this month in community, may we all reflect on what our attention is worth and how claiming it intentionally shapes our lives.
In love,
Kimberlee