Attention is the beginning of devotion

Attention is the beginning of devotion

Mary Oliver, the beloved poet and Pulitzer Prize winner, often explored themes of nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living beings in her work. One of her most famous quotes is, “Attention is the beginning of devotion,” which encapsulates her belief in the power of mindfulness and presence in cultivating a deep connection to the world around us.

For Oliver, attention is not simply about focusing on the external world, but about turning inward and truly seeing and understanding ourselves. It is about being fully present in each moment, allowing ourselves to be open and receptive to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. In her poetry, she often encourages readers to slow down, to pay attention to the small details of life that are often overlooked, and to find meaning and purpose in the everyday.

Devotion, in Oliver’s view, is not necessarily about religious worship or adherence to a set of beliefs, but about a deep and abiding love and reverence for the world and all its inhabitants. It is about recognizing the sacredness of all life and treating each living being with respect and compassion. Devotion, for Oliver, is a way of living in harmony with the natural world, of recognizing our place within it and our responsibility to care for it.