Each person has subtle senses which help us perceive the surrounding world. We can recall memories, imagine situations, and predict the consequences of our actions. In order to do all these things effectively, you need to control your attention. This means mastering the ability to focus on the most important while blurring everything else.

Our attention only functions with the help of these three subsystems: a flashlight, a floodlight, and a juggler. One of the most used subsystems is the *flashlight*, also known as the *orienting system*. It is responsible for the ability to choose a particular thing or piece of information and focus on it completely.

Remember the last time you read an exciting novel in a cafe? Music was playing in the background, people were talking, and the door opened from time to time. However, did you pay attention to all these things? Most likely, you were so absorbed in the book that you didn’t even hear all this background noise. When you focus all your attention on one thing, all other things, sounds, and movements seem to blur. You just don't notice them. If someone came up and asked you something at that moment, it would probably take you a while to understand the question. This is the flashlight in action.

Our attention is very much related to our view. We usually focus on what we are looking at. For instance, if you look at your phone screen, your attention is most likely focused on the news you are scrolling through. However, if suddenly someone walks into the room and you look over to see who it is, you are unlikely to think about the news you read a minute ago.

However, it doesn't always work that way. Sometimes, we focus on something without thinking specifically about that thing. Remember how often you watch TV while thinking about a university exam or an argument with a friend? At the same time, you hardly hear or understand what is being said on TV. Why does this happen? Because no matter what your eyes are on, you're focused on what's happening in your brain.