Futures

Exploring Attention: The Rituals of the Order of the Third Bird and Beyond, (from page 20241117.)

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Themes

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Summary

The New Yorker article explores the concept of attention through the lens of D. Graham Burnett, a historian of science who is involved with a secretive group called the Order of the Third Bird. This group practices a unique ritual centered around observing art, which includes five phases: Encounter, Attending, Negation, Realizing, and Colloquy. Each phase encourages participants to focus, reflect, and share their experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of attention. The article also touches on related initiatives like the Strother School of Radical Attention. These practices aim to enhance awareness and engagement with both art and everyday experiences, suggesting various adaptations for individuals to explore their own attention rituals.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Order of the Third Bird A secretive fellowship practicing focused attention on art through structured rituals. From passive observation of art to active participation and reflection on attention. Art appreciation may evolve into communal experiences focusing on attention and mindfulness. A growing societal need for mindfulness and deeper engagement in an attention-saturated world. 4
Strother School of Radical Attention A school conducting workshops to explore and enhance the practice of attention in various settings. From traditional education to experiential learning focused on attention and perception. Education systems might incorporate more experiential and attention-focused learning practices. The increasing recognition of attention’s importance in learning and personal development. 4
Attention Economy Awareness A cultural shift towards recognizing and critiquing the attention economy driven by technology and advertising. From passive consumption of media to active awareness and management of attention. Individuals may develop better strategies for managing attention amidst overwhelming digital stimuli. The pervasive influence of technology on daily life and its impact on mental well-being. 5
Collective Attention Rituals Emergence of group activities focused on shared attention experiences and reflection. From individual consumption to collective engagement in attention practices. Communities may form around shared rituals that enhance focus and mindfulness. A desire for connection and shared experiences in an increasingly fragmented society. 3
Nature-Based Reflection Practices Incorporation of nature and outdoor experiences into attention and mindfulness practices. From indoor, abstract reflection to outdoor, experiential learning in natural settings. Spiritual and mindfulness practices may increasingly integrate nature into their frameworks. A growing recognition of nature’s role in mental health and well-being. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Attention Deficit in Society The increasing competition for attention may lead to societal attention deficits, affecting interpersonal relationships and mental well-being. 4
Commercial Exploitation of Attention The ‘attention economy’ driven by advertisers and technology could exploit individuals, leading to diminished quality of life and increased distraction. 5
Performative Attention Practices The trend of performative attentiveness may commodify authentic experiences and reduce genuine engagement with art and culture. 3
Loss of True Mindfulness The structured rituals around attention may distract from achieving genuine mindfulness and self-awareness in the moment. 4
Secretive Group Dynamics The existence of secretive groups practicing attention could lead to exclusionary practices or cult-like followings, impacting personal freedoms. 3
Cultural Pressure for Attention Society’s emphasis on shared attention experiences may create pressure to conform, impacting individual expression and creativity. 4

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Collective Attention Rituals Groups like the Order of the Third Bird engage in structured attention practices at art locations, fostering collective focus and reflection. 5
Attention-based Workshops Organizations conduct workshops emphasizing attention exercises that explore perception and awareness in various settings. 4
Mindful Art Engagement Participants practice a mindful approach to art by contemplating, negating, and realizing the essence of artworks. 4
Nature Connection Practices Spiritual gatherings incorporate attention practices in nature, encouraging participants to notice their surroundings and share experiences. 4
Playful Secrecy in Social Groups The allure of secretive groups promotes engagement and curiosity, enhancing the experience of shared rituals and attention practices. 3
Iterative Attention Experiences Encouraging variations in attention practices to accommodate diverse participants’ preferences and environments. 3

Technologies

name description relevancy
Radical Attention Workshops Workshops focusing on enhancing attention and observational skills through group exercises and creative practices. 4
Order of the Third Bird A secretive group that practices intense attention to art through structured rituals in public spaces. 4
Attention Economy A concept where attention is treated as a scarce commodity and is monetized by advertisers and tech companies. 3
Attention Practices in Education Innovative teaching methods that emphasize mindfulness and attention skills in learning environments. 4
Mindfulness Exercises Activities designed to improve focus and awareness, often involving physical movement and participatory observation. 4

Issues

name description relevancy
Attention Economy and Cultural Practices The rise of unique cultural practices focused on attention, such as the Order of the Third Bird, signifies a growing societal interest in how attention is cultivated and valued. 4
Collective Attention Rituals Emerging groups and movements that emphasize collective attention rituals may impact social interactions and community building. 3
Attention Workshops in Education The introduction of attention-focused workshops in educational settings, like those by Strother School, may influence teaching methodologies and student engagement. 4
Mindfulness and Attention Exercises Increasing popularity of mindfulness practices and attention exercises indicates a broader societal shift towards mental well-being and focus. 5
Secretive Cultural Groups The allure of secretive groups that engage in attention practices reflects a trend towards niche cultural communities in the digital age. 3