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| Warrior Work Week 22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHARACTER TRAIT: ATTENTIVENESS AT*TEN*TIVE*NESS n. 1. The state of being mindful or observant to what you are doing. 2. Being heedful to the comfort of others. 3. Offering attention to. The word ATTENTIVE comes from the Latin "ad tendo", which means "to stretch". to be attentive we need to stretch our awareness with whatever sense or senses best fit the situation we are encountering to achieve our goal. People learn best in one of three primary ways: auditory, visual, kinesthetic (touch). Learning to utilize all three is important but also being aware of which works best for us is also important in understanding ourselves, our relationships and environment. Attentiveness is similar to alertness, concentration, discretion and discernment but it is important to also distinguish between these qualities and see how they integrate. *Alertness is being aware of one's surroundings. Applying the g.e.t.i.t. color code, in yellow we are relaxed but alert and aware of others and the surrounding environment. Attentiveness zeroes in on specific alertness or awareness of a possible challenge which moves us into the color orange. *Concentration is focusing our attention with the appropriate senses towards a particular goal, target or outcome. Attentiveness to our goal and situation shows us where we need top adjust or improvise our techniques within the situation. *Discretion and discernment is choosing between actions or words that may or may not be appropriate to the situation or world we are in. It also refers to choosing to what we give(attach) or not give (detach) our attention to. WAYS TO PRACTISE ATTENTIVENESS 1. Make eye contact 2. Listen intently (guard against distractions, don't engage verbally when inappropriate) 3. Be aware of how you are feeling 4. Be sensitive to how the other person(s) is feeling 5. Stay on task 6. Attentive posture (hands to self, feet rooted, respect others personal space) Applying attentiveness to the 3 foundations of martial arts 1. Responsibility for one's thought's words and actions 2. Respect for one's self, one's fellow students and community 3. Repetition of movements over time to become a skilled person 1. Be impeccable with your words (pay attention to the goal/target of your words) 2. Don't take anything personally (be attentive to the goal of the other person's words/actions) 3. Don't make assumptions (ask questions if you don't understand or are not clear on the goal) 4. Always do your best (be attentive to your energy, effort, and effect) By Peter Hill, Copyright 2004 www.getittogether.net Week 23>> |