More Than a Rock

63Attention Overload

Attention may sound dull, but it is an essential aspect of consciousness. In fact, it governs what it is that we turn out to be conscious of, and therefore plays a part in the coming into being of whatever exists for us.

—Iain McGilchrist

I recently parked at a roadside pullout to retrieve a cold drink from the ice chest in the back of my truck. I turned the engine off, thinking this would be a good place to perch on the tailgate for a bit and appreciate the beauty of the day and the place. I was in one of Utah’s national parks, scouting for a new workshop itinerary.

As I stood there, rummaging through the ice for the last can of iced tea, a car parked behind me. With the motor still running, the driver’s window slid partly ...