Voluntary Control of Awareness

Attention Shifting

Explore whether YOU move attention, or if it moves on its own. This exercise reveals the nature of voluntary control in consciousness.

Attention Shifting

Voluntary Control of Awareness

Explore whether YOU move attention, or if it moves on its own. This exercise reveals the nature of voluntary control in consciousness.

Current Focus (30s)

Notice what you're currently focusing on. Don't try to change it, just observe.

Sounds Around You (30s)

Now shift your attention to sounds around you. What do you hear? Near sounds? Distant sounds?

Your Breath (30s)

Shift your attention to your breath. Notice the sensation of breathing without controlling it.

Space Behind Head (30s)

Now shift attention to the space behind your head. What does that feel like?

Why this exercise

This exercise explores the nature of voluntary attention and executive control. It asks: what does it mean to "direct" attention? Is there a homunculus doing the directing?

Connection to MAC: Relates to MAC discussions on free will, agency, and the binding problem. William James called attention "the taking possession by the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seem several simultaneously possible objects."

Studied by William James, Francisco Varela (neurophenomenology), and modern attention researchers.