Attention is a sign of sincere repentance. Attention is the peel of the soul to itself, hatred of the world innocent towards God. Attention is renunciation of sin and acquisition of virtue. Attention is an underlying certainty of the remission of sins. Attention is the beginning of contemplation or rather it’s necessary condition for through attention God comes close and reveals himself to the mind. Attention is serenity of the mind, or rather, it’s standing firmly planted and not wondering. Through the gift of God‘s mercy. Attention means cutting off thoughts. It is the abode of remembrance of God and the treasure house of the power to endure all that may come.
This is an excerpt from a book Profitable Discourses on Sobriety by Nicephorous.