Attention: A basic human need
Plants need watering until their roots are deep enough to get enough water supply from the ground. At birth, animals need their mother’s attention up to the time they can fend for themselves. As for humans though, the attention level required is even way high than that of other animals. It is humans who require more and prolonged attention for survival than any other species.
According to the English Oxford dictionary, attention (to something/somebody), is the act of listening to, looking at or thinking about something/somebody carefully; the interest that people show in somebody/something. Looking at this definition and reading between the lines, attention has much to do with importance – whether real or perceived.
In daily human interactions, often assertions are made about how someone likes looking for attention. It may even go as far as describing someone as suffering from attention deficiency. But looking at the very nature of a human being, attention is one of its very basic needs since the urge to do anything to attain it.
Before the 21st century and its internet revolution, attention levels were more moderate and lower key. However, the advent of social media platforms brought with it the exposure of our very human need for attention. With this understanding, it seems that the Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, at its core, is about attention. For example, what is seen as self-actualisation (the desire to become the most one can be) is still a pursuit of attention from others. This is because such a realization will still depend on the attention and perception of others.
However, as much as attention is part of human nature and just as with anything else, too much of it may not be good. When the pursuit of attention, consciously or subconsciously, becomes the primary purpose or goal, it may eventually lead to bad mental health. The worst is when the person seeking it is unaware and it leads to addiction that one would do anything to get it.
If there was a common understanding of the importance of attention as a basic human need, it would have also been such that it could be part and parcel of our education. Whether formal or informal, such education would then also point out the importance of ensuring enough attention supply to every individual as from birth.
Meaning that just as part of the normal health care routine for infants, parents could also be sensitized and guided on how to give enough attention to the child for their overall well being. Because if they do not do so, the child will eventually seek it in one-way or the other. In these times, often social becomes the route to meet such need, even if it may be coming from total dangerous strangers.
Thanks to social media that as much as it helps to connect people, it also happens to expose them. It has come to expose that as far as development goes, technological development has surpassed the other aspects of development such as psychological development. That as far as education goes, balancing the income statement or managing the project cycle has been attained with excellence but managing our psyche faculty remains our most challenging puzzle.
With that said, there is no doubt that the writing is on the wall. The time has come to accept that attention is an underlying basic human need. Without it, overall well-being cannot be achieved. Next time someone tells you that you like attention, please remind them of that. They may not need it at this point but there may also come a time where they may seek it from you.
E-mail: karlsimbumusic@gmail.com OSHIMWENYO will be published every Friday in the New Era newspaper with contributions from Karlos Naimwhaka.
My travel journey around Namibia started approximately four years ago. I made the conscious decision to get up and experience this beautiful country, and I did so while keeping a very tight budget (laugh with me).
The end goal is to experience every corner, to learn about every culture, to taste our homemade food, to document our traditional dances, to drink our brews, to wear our clothes and to learn our languages (even if it’s just “hello” and “goodbye”). To document and share authentic Namibian experiences, you see? I guess now is a good time as any to mention that I have now started a YouTube channel?
I have, through these experiences, picked up some tips and tricks that may make your travel easier, should you ever want to travel the country. I will share more on that in two weeks. Today, I am sharing what I think are essentials for occasional domestic travellers, especially with all the specials currently running in tourism. Here it goes:
We are a desert country; the sun can be quite harsh. Always carry your sunscreen to protect
Fresh FM radio personality Denzel Leroy //Naobeb, also known as NSK said the latest knock-out project by MTC is the kind of assignment he is ecstatic to be part of as it is tangible and warms his heart because it is addressing the issue of homelessness in the country.
“Many times, we voice our concerns and condemn things, but that’s where it ends, mostly on social media. The urge to do more ends just as quick as the issue surfaces,” he stated.
NSK who is teamed up with media personality Anne Hambunda also added that when companies like MTC come along with such concepts or ideas, one has no option but to jump on board because at the end of the day it’s a results-driven project and the money will be given to those who are directly affected.
Poetess Dr Esperance Luvindao, although nervous as she is teamed up with Gospel sensation Maranatha Goroh, is over the moon to be part of this project. “A lot of people are not willing to do things like what MTC is doing so being part of this is super exciting and heartening at the same time,” mentioned Luvindao.
The Onandjokwe based Doctor said being part of the mission is going to allow someone out there to have a home. “I know individuals who are homeless and who stand a chance of getting shelter because of this project,” mentioned Luvindao.
The mobile telecommunications company this yourself. Sun damage from
UV rays can cause wrinkling, dark spots, etc. Even during winter, please always carry your sunscreen. If you can see the sun, the sun can see you too!
It is unfortunate but some of the best Namibian attractions can only be accessed with a 4x4 off-roader. The areas are secluded and can be hundreds of kilometres away from “civilisation”. While sedans may be able to get you through, my recommendation is always an off-roader. The journey is easier, the drive is smoother – and despite the distance, they are always worth the drive.
Camping equipment is one way to get through the country on a budget. Campsites are currently charging anywhere between N$100 and N$350 per person per night. You can take advantage of this if you have your equipment. week launched the second edition of the MTC Knockout Project 2020, in aid of efforts to address homelessness in the country.
“With the theme “Together we can beat homelessness”, the project is a call to action with two main objectives. Firstly, to raise awareness, create conversation and find solutions, and secondly to raise funds so that those who are experts can act”, encouraged Tim Ekandjo, Chief Human Capital and Corporate Affairs Officer.
Ekandjo stated that the “MTC Knockout Project” against Homelessness will see 30 Namibian personalities challenged/paired to get on stage at a live music concert and perform two hit songs of 30 popular Namibian artists. The personalities are drawn from diverse fields within the Namibian society from sectors such as the arts, health, banking, fashion, industrial, technology, insurances and mining sectors.
Ekandjo said: “These personalities will be challenged to do the unthinkable in the interest of the cause. They will have to their disposal the artist who owns the two hit songs, a studio, a choreographer, a Voice coach, a live band, professional dancers and a producer who will work with them for the next three months to get them ready for a performance of a lifetime, helping them to raise their voices and sing till we sing a roof over the heads of the homeless.”
“During the next three months, these personalities and artist together with the rest of Namibia will become ambassadors and the voice for the homeless,” elucidated Ekandjo.
Should you need more tips on domestic travel, please do consult via @ndapandaconsultancy. Find me on twitter @lahyahaininga Instagram __ndapanda
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Vocally able… NSK has been selected to be part of the MTC Knockout Project 2020.
This year’s edition, slated for 3 October 2020 at the National Theatre of Namibia has set the target of raising at least N$1 million.
The MTC Knockout Project started last year as a social intervention programme by MTC with the specific aim to address societal issues within communities.
Last year’s initiative was aimed towards creating awareness around Gender-Based Violence in society when celebrities slugged it out exhibition boxing style during their three rounds bout of a minute each. – psiririka@nepc.com.na