Attention is an umbrella term that refers to the ability to select a subset of stimuli from a larger array of sensory information. It involves both a cognitive and physiological process, allowing us to actively process certain inputs while inhibiting processing of others. Attention is thus essential to conscious experience, allowing us to focus on task-relevant information while suppressing distractors. This capacity to select among multiple sources of information presents both an evolutionary advantage, enabling us to respond effectively to changing and complex environments, as well as a source of difficulties, making us particularly sensitive to disturbances and disturbances from within.

See also: paying attention, consciousness, awareness, suffering