Inner Map: The Meadow of First Attention

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Coordinates: S 11° / W 04°

Overview

The Meadow of First Attention is the first open space after you settle into practice.

Here, the mind begins to focus, but softly — the way you might notice a breeze or a shift in light across a field. This region isn’t about sharp concentration. It’s about the gentle moment when awareness starts to gather, like a quiet clearing opening in the landscape.

Navigation Guide

Move through this meadow with ease.

Let your attention rest on something simple: the breath, the weight of your body, or the rise and fall of your chest. You’re not forcing focus. You’re letting attention land where it naturally wants to go. The key is steadiness without strain — a soft returning each time the mind wanders.

Obstacles

• Tug-of-War Awareness: The mind pulls you back to thoughts. Just acknowledge the pull and return gently.
  

• Over-Focusing: Trying too hard to “hold” attention. Soften your effort. Let the breath come and go naturally.
  

• Drifting: Awareness floats away like tall grass in wind. Return without judgement, even if it drifts many times.

Landmarks of Progress

• You stay with your object of attention for slightly longer stretches.

• Distractions feel softer and easier to notice.

• Returning to the breath feels more natural, less like work.

These small shifts are how the meadow opens.

Traveler’s Note

Attention doesn’t need to be perfect — only steady enough to keep walking.