The New Yorker recently published an article exploring the complex nature of attention, particularly in the context of the “attention economy.” It highlights the innovative practices of a group called the Order of the Third Bird, which conducts elaborate rituals centered on art appreciation and shared mindful experiences. Led by historian D. Graham Burnett, participants engage in a structured series of actions that elicit deep attention to artworks. The article also touches upon related initiatives like the Strother School of Radical Attention, which emphasize communal attention exercises. Overall, it combines cultural commentary with practical suggestions for enhancing our relationship with attention and art.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| New rituals for enhancing attention | Shift from passive to active focus | Attention as a communal and shared practice | Desire for deeper engagement and connection |
| Emergence of attention-focused groups | From individual experiences to collective actions | Groups forming for shared attentive experiences | Societal need for mindfulness and reflection |
| Integration of art and attention training | Change from superficial to profound engagement | Art appreciation evolving into facilitative practices | Exploration of artistic impact on mindfulness |
| Workshops on attention awareness | Transition from theory to practice | Attention training becoming commonplace in education | Growing recognition of attention’s importance in wellbeing |
| Evolution of attention as a discipline | From abstract concept to structured practice | Attention as a critical skill in personal and professional life | Academic and cultural interest in attention science |