Attention Quote by Robert Bly
“Vertical attention is not the same as, and doesn't evolve from nor imply, hierarchy. We could say that hierarchy is associated with power, and vertical attention with longing for the Divine Feminine, for the Divine Masculine, for what the Sufis call 'wine.'”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Light Around the Body, 1975
Vertical attention seeks divine connection, not hierarchical power; it transcends ordinary structures.
In simple terms: Look upward for divine longing.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate vertical attention for spiritual growth.
Themes
spirituality
divine longing
non‑hierarchical
gender balance
inner quest
Mood
reflective
mystical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- prayer
- artistic creation
- relationship building
- personal reflection
- ritual practice
Key Concepts
mythology
psychology
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice vertical attention daily?
- What does divine feminine mean to you?
A Different Perspective
May be abstract for practical application.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
