Entre a distração e a vigilância

Pierre Hadot e o exercício espiritual da atenção no tempo presente

Abstract

Among the spiritual exercises of the ancient Greco-Roman philosophical schools, prosochè stands out. Understood as attention to the present moment, this unique practice, unparalleled in contemporary times, constitutes a form of self-vigilance and mindfulness of the "now," serving as a cornerstone for ethical and spiritual transformation. Building on Pierre Hadot's work on ancient thought, this article reflects on how, in an era of distraction fueled by the overwhelming stimuli of advertising and digital media, prosochè reminds us that the present is the locus of all freedom, action, and decision. The exercise invites us to calm our passions, discerning what lies within or beyond our control, so that we may face reality without succumbing to paralyzing despair or naive optimism. It is about inhabiting the infinitely small present moment, fully aware that the past is gone and the future remains uncertain.