We do this naturally. We close our eyes so that we can hear more clearly, or we block out sound so we can read with more focus.

It can be a useful exercise too.

Close your eyes at the park. Listen. Explore the soundscape. Discover what you wouldn’t have otherwise heard.

Or watch an interview with the sound muted. Look at body language. Observe a person’s hands, or the way clothing moves.

Our world is one of excess and overload. But our attention — like a muscle — can be trained. We can choose to dampen some senses while diving more fully into others.

What we discover is sure to offer something new.