| Primary Features |
| Arousal |
Extent of alertness, awakeness, etc. |
Low, medium, high |
| Orientation (of Attention) |
Where attention is directed |
Inward vs. Outward vs. No Orientation |
| Spatial ‘dynamic’ (of Attention) |
The quality of attention in space |
Fixed (e.g., on an object or location) vs. Moving (e.g., as inthe Body Scan) |
| Temporal ‘dynamic’ (of Attention) |
The quality of attention in time |
Constant/Stable vs. Rhythmic/Sporadic |
| Object (of Attention) |
Attention can be fixed on none, one, two, or many objects |
Specific (i.e., defined object(s)) vs. Aspecific (i.e., no well-defined object(s)) vs. None (i.e., no object of attention) |
| Aperture (of Attention) |
How ‘sharply’ the spotlight of attention is focused |
Narrow vs. Intermediate vs. Diffuse |
| Effort |
The extent to which one exerts energy to achieve other features |
Low, medium, high |
|
| Secondary Features |
| Complementary Activity |
Physical activity to facilitate desired feature(s) |
Walking, Mantra recitation, Dancing, Rhythmic movement, etc. |
| Affective Valence |
Emotional tone of practice |
Positive vs. Neutral vs. Negative |
| Emotional Intention |
A desired emotional state (to be cultivated) |
Loving-kindness, compassion, forgiveness, generosity, etc. |
| Motivation/Goal |
The rationale/reason for the practice |
Wellness, mitigation of illness, self-improvement, enlightenment |
| Proficiency Required |
Level of skill or expertise necessary |
Low, medium, high |
| Posture |
Physical orientation of body during practice |
Horizontal (e.g., lying down) vs. Intermediate (e.g., sitting) vs. Vertical (e.g., standing) |
