Giving the gift of undivided and focused attention

Melonie Welsh is the Robert F. and Myrna L. Krohn Associate Professor and director of community engagement for the Munroe-Meyer Institute. Her column ran in the December edition of MMI Monthly.

Regardless of what you celebrate at this time of year, the holiday season for many people is marked by the familiar comforts of family, food, traditions and decorations.

Gift-giving has become an important focus of the season as we seek to show love and appreciation to others. Many people will invest countless hours and dollars hunting for the perfect gift to communicate their gratitude and admiration.

Perhaps that gift may be closer than we think.

This time of year often provides opportunity to spend time with those important to us. For some, this is the only time of year when family, friends and colleagues gather. Perhaps the greatest gift we can give this year to those we care about the most is our undivided and focused attention.

Rather than paying money for the perfect present, pay attention instead.

These days, with technological, political, social justice, environmental, economic and other issues demanding consideration, paying attention has never seemed to come at a higher price. When we remove distraction from our lives and focus intently on another person, we communicate that they are the most important thing in our lives at that moment.

Paying attention comes at a cost far greater than dollars. When we pay true attention to someone, it requires that we block out every other thing. That is why it is so valuable these days — and perhaps the greatest gift of all.

Let’s be intentional this year, whether with family, friends, co-workers or ourselves to give the gift of focused attention to the people who surround us. Turn off notifications, remove yourself from distractions, engage in meaningful conversation, listen.

Give the gift of attention to those you love the most.