The Practice of Attention

by Cody Cook-Parrott

A guide to reclaim your focus and live with presence through practices that embrace your creativity and inspire you to live with awe

It’s no secret that our attention is fractured. We look for distraction anytime we have a spare moment or feel bored or uncomfortable. We yearn to be fully immersed in the moment—whether for deep work or pleasure—but we have almost forgotten how. The Practice of Attention opens the door to reclaim our focus, so we can be more present with those we love, be more immersed in our work and play, and ultimately live more fully.

Beloved artist and teacher Cody Cook-Parrott invites us to join them in building practices that heighten our attention. Beginning with an exploration of what we’re avoiding when we distract ourselves, Cody offers an Attention Audit that helps us understand where we place our focus (and where we lose it) throughout the day and week. After getting a clear understanding of where we are, we can create a schedule and a life with more focus. Being present requires practice, and Cody encourages us to find the practices that resonate most with us, exploring movement, creativity, spiritual practice, being of service, and more. Themes of cultivating curiosity and devotion and letting go of perfectionism and people-pleasing are woven throughout.

Shifting our attention has profound power on how we experience ourselves and those around us. Cody writes, “This is my that you feel less pull toward your screen and more pull toward your life.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

Cody Cook-Parrott is an artist, writer, and movement practitioner living on the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan. They write a weekly newsletter and host the podcast Common Shapes. They are the author of six books, including The Practice of Attention out March 2026 with St. Martin's Essentials.

Reviews

[Cara Achterberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think many of us can benefit from this book. Attention is in such short supply. I appreciated the instructions on using reading to improve attention, and I hope lots of people take that to heart. It made me think a lot about my own attention span and appreciate how much art and creativity hone the ability to focus on other things as well. This is a timely read, and hopefully it finds a wide audience. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

[Ava F · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC audiobook via Libro.FM 2/19
A gorgeous reflection on how our current social media culture affects creative souls. Cook-Parrott is both practical and deeply kind, and I left this read feeling refreshed, relaxed, and inspired. I finally logged out of my instagram account for the first time in years, and I’m slowly but surely returning to the hobbies that bring me real joy. I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, as Cook-Parrott has such a soothing voice.

[Kate · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wish I had good things to say about this book. I was certainly excited to read it and it was the first one I chose to dig into after receiving a round of books to review, however, this was not the book for me. The writing is quite rambly and the author struggles to say what they mean without dancing around it dozens of times instead. The prose is not focused at all. It reads very much like a self published first book. And hey, one does have to start somewhere I suppose, but I personally found reading this to be a waste of time. The author does state the obvious, that social media is a time suck and reduces our focus, but they fail to connect this with actionable steps to be more focused. I suppose it is more memoir than scientific, when I was hoping for the latter. It is also very new agey, when again, I was looking more for science based and actionable plan. I'm sure it will appeal for some and I hate leaving a poor review, but at least for me, it wasn't a good read and it didn't add value for the time I put into the read.

Thank you to Sounds True Publishing and Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[miki larson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely for a certain type of person, and luckily I am that person! A great guide lead by the author’s personal experiences on how to take back your attention and lead your life in a more intentional and fulfilling way. This goes much deeper than just creating new habits and following a routine; exploring the root causes of why we are drawn to our vices (phone addiction, mainly) and how we can overcome them.

[Barbara Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Practice of Attention" begins by untangling the knot of avoidance and distraction. What are we avoiding? When is distraction a relaxing salve and when does it seep into addiction? And how are avoidance and distraction stealing our attention, or—better said—shifting our attention away from enriching, healthy activities toward the dopamine hits of technology.

Cody hasn’t written a condemnation of technology, the Internet or social media but has sounded a call to pay attention to where we place our attention and decide if it’s serving us or not. That said, there’s a hearty chapter about digital detox but it allows for shorter softer personalized detoxes. Throughout the book, Cody's suggestions always carry a tone of “this is what I did, take it or leave it, try something for yourself based on your rhythms and needs.” The underlying idea is something Cody calls “structure with softness.”

The last two-thirds of the book veer from shifting attention from the digital to building habits in other areas of life, with the argument that when you remove the dopamine hits of the internet and social media, your attention will naturally increase while doing analogical tasks. The logic holds weight and the book becomes more about establishing habits for hobbies, movement, creativity, research, service, and spiritual practices than increasing our attention and ability to focus, although that has been an inherent benefit for Cody. The intersection of the practices and how they support each other offers an interesting and novel approach to building our attention muscle and actually doing the activities we often say we want to and should do.

The crux with this type of non-expert self-help is that it’s one person’s experience, vast and documented as that may be. It’s a valid experience and worked for that person but in the attempt to perhaps avoid criticisms about not being an expert, the message is often, “this worked for me, take what you will, leave the rest, you do you.”

While Cody's writing is at times rambling and repetitive, they are clearly a thoughtful, caring, compassionate, introspective person. The ideas may have been better communicated in a memoir about Cody’s movement and creative practices, recounting the insights and growth that happen there, perhaps combined with the spiritual aspects of her life. Often the chapters are more personal than prescriptive.

Readers looking for a softer approach to regaining attention and building habits than the practices offered by Cal Newport or James Clear may find guidance and comfort in Cody’s book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sounds True for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #thepracticeofattention

[Kaleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book!

I really enjoyed the first 50% of this book, it honestly felt like reading my own thoughts and experience with moving away from a chronically online existence into a more intentional and present one. While my story differs quite a lot from the author on how we ended up doing so, it resonated deeply . I think sets a good foundation for someone desiring to make a change to start the reflective and auditing process to start choosing something new. However, I was a bit let down by the second half, because while the topics were good (Movement, Creative, Spiritual, Hobby Practice) the author spent quite a lot of time on their version of all of these things vs keeping it general and open to the reader determining what it looks like for them. There were reflection questions that I think are helpful, but the second half felt disjointed from the first and made it a bit harder to read as an applicable way to find “my practice of attention”. I think there are possibly two books colliding, the authors story of their experience practicing attention and intentionality which reads more like a memoir and more of a guided reflective journey for the reader to find their practice of attention. Due to that, it felt a bit disjointed to me though I still got some nuggets out of it. I felt much less engaged as my movement, creativity, spiritual practice differs greatly from the author and I didn’t really get much from reading about the activities they engage in from the perspective of applying it to my own life.

[Nikolaj · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, for starters, for sending me a copy for review.

Ultimately, I found it unfortunate that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I expected to. In the modern, digital world, everything is a time suck, and it's easy to get involved in things that just don't matter in the long run - like, for example social media - but this felt less like a how-to and more like a memoir of sorts. In spite of the rambling and ironically unfocused tone, that's not why I disliked it. I disliked it because it's not quite what it says on the tin, which is a pity because it could've been a very helpful book for many people. That's not to say that no one will like or find meaning here, but I think that given the description, it will find its way into the hands of people who aren't the intended audience. To me, it felt like the intended audience would be someone to kind of commiserate with and bounce ideas off of, rather than someone looking for practical, immediately usable advice. There is advice here, but it's less about the advice and more about the story at times. Naturally, the best advice to anyone who is looking to combat digital distraction is to "just stop checking your phone" but we don't get much deeper than that. This one missed the mark for me, but if it finds its way into the right hands, I do think that there is an audience for it. Just not the one it's advertised to, unfortunately.

Thanks again to NetGalley!

[Mike Lisanke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually only give 2 star ratings to books I found well written but somehow missed the point of book according to me. And that's the case again with this book. I am new to NetGalley and didn't know exactly how to select a book except by the books' titles. Attention is an important concept to me in my research and study of consciousness and as an engineer working with Artificial Intelligence Attention is particularly meaningful. But, IMO this book is Not about Attention (except the author's); instead it's about the Author's addictions and how she overcame them by making changes to her time-management focusing on digital media (esp. social media) as a Distraction. The author tells us she's not written the book to instruct us on how to overcome our social media addiction (or correct our economic deficiencies or any other thing we're avoiding handling in our lives). IMO the author is an egoist and has written this book for herself; to coach herself on maintaining her attention by eliminating her distractions. And adding back happy activity the author loves to fill any spare time she now accumulates. If you life closely matches the authors (overcoming alcoholism and debt avoidance) and you enjoy what she enjoys and feel escape from the Digital World is a means to accomplish this... this Is your book. For me, it was A nothing.

[Dr. B · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a timely and important premise. In a world where our attention is constantly fragmented, a book about reclaiming focus as an act of self-care (and even resistance) feels necessary. I genuinely appreciated the vulnerability the author brings to their personal experience with digital distraction and burnout.

That said, this didn’t quite work for me.

While the reflections are heartfelt, much of the advice felt repetitive and familiar. I kept waiting for sharper insights or more concrete, transformative guidance, but the book tends to circle the same ideas without adding much depth.

At times, it also leans heavily on personal narrative without fully translating those experiences into broadly applicable tools. I wanted more structure, more nuance, or even a stronger critical lens on the systems that fuel distraction, rather than mostly individual, level solutions.

There are meaningful moments here, and readers new to conversations about screen addiction or mindful presence may find it encouraging. For me, though, it felt more like a gentle reminder of things I already knew rather than a truly impactful or life-changing read.

[Jamie Yonker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love hearing Cody’s narration and I’ve come to a soft conclusion upon finishing this book.

1) the second half felt stronger than the first to me
and
2) I think the folks who leave bad reviews on Cody’s books usually have some sort of “this was the simplest advice in not in a good way” predictable gripe.

I was born in Grand Rapids and have admired Cody’s work and writing from afar for … so long. Have Company’s podcast was the first one I EVER LISTENED TO. Cody has IT. There is no denying.

My, um, unsolicited advice is as follows:

Maybe it’s time Cody steps a few yards away from the self-help genre. Maybe it’s time to write memoir — longform. Maybe it’s time to spin some webs about the peeeersonal, personal.

We all know Cody is going to tell us to swim. Or take a walk. Or start a research project (which I love btw).

But what I want … and maybe many others do it… is to see what Cody has brewing underneath the Julia Cameron-esque stance.

I can’t be the only one!

WE YEARN.

(& thanks for making this work and all the work prior and to come! I leave this review with gobs of gratitude.)

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Cody for six years, and each of their six books builds on the next. I am loving the way I hear their voice coming through strong and true. I am immensely grateful that they don't shy away from politics and their radical roots. For many of us, "simply putting down the phone" is simply not simple. The way they pull the thread of the why of this is like a Buddhist meditation. Infusing spirituality into our art and rituals in these times is vital, and all of Cody's offerings do so. This book, all of their books, and their offerings are a balm for the soul. Is it a bit woo, hell yeah! Don't think you need woo right now. How in the world are you holding on, dear human traveler, and to each their own. Might I add as well, you need another book written by a trans queer author who engages in mutual aid, oh yes, you do!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cody Cook-Parrot’s new book The Practice of Attention was one of my free audio book choices via Libro.fm. This book was my first experience listening to an audio book and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the author’s voice. I gleaned many ideas as to how I want to reclaim my attention back and am thankful for the many avenues that can be used to accomplish this goal. I usually enjoy annotating when I’m reading a non fiction book, but I would pause and write down the many suggestions on index cards. I do miss being able to review my underlining but the author’s voice was very soothing and I enjoyed just listening and learning. Thank you, Cody!

[Jessica Starry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much like a conversation with a dear, trusted friend, through The Practice of Attention, Cody provides a compassionate framework for remembering how to stop outsourcing your energy and start trusting yourself again. With this offering, Cody simultaneously provides a supportive structure for returning to the clarity of what is true for you, while holding space for the nuance of individual experiences. In other words, as Cody so eloquently puts it, you'll "come to understand how your energy moves [so you can] get out of your own way". Thank you, Cody for an advance copy of this book!

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sweet and thoughtful book about where we put our attention, and how we can build toward a different future. the first half particularly is useful and generous, and includes a great attention audit that would make a fantastic prompt for a group, or even an accountability partner, to do together and reflect. i especially appreciate how the themes of community and interconnection come up throughout the book, and the way that suggestions and tools are framed as options, but never directives. overall, a well constructed book that begs to be on your shelf so you can reference it time and again.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tools in this book have radically reshaped my creative practice. I love how Cody unpacks the inner and outer forces that distract us from what really matters. Their invitations to audit our attention, reconnect with our bodies, and cultivate a creative research process are essential for every artist. I especially appreciated the later chapters on different practices, so make sure to read the second half!

Thanks to Cody & NetGalley for sharing an early copy with me <3

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, Cody shows up in this new work with their full heart. Cody wants us all to make more art. To do our work. To show up fully in the world and to that work. This book is a clear, helpful, sweet offering to that end—that we all make our work and be present in the real world for it. The attention audit is so helpful and this book is inspiring and lovely. Thanks for sharing an early version Cody and Net galley!

[Beth Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cody Cook-Parrott’s The Practice of Attention: Cultivating Attention in a Distracted World feels like a gentle invitation to slow down and notice your life again. The reflections are simple but thoughtful, encouraging small, everyday practices of attention in a world that constantly pulls us away from ourselves. It’s the kind of book you read slowly, maybe returning to a few pages at a time, as a reminder that an ordinary day is already full of things worth noticing.

[Cheyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book *almost* hits the mark for me. I thought that Cody Cook-Parrott's writing was well done, and it felt like I was sitting down and chatting with an old friend. Warmth absolutely radiates off his work. Where I think it falls short is in actionable ways to refocus our attention on things that matter.

[Lynnette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found that this book from CCP to be a really helpful guide to organizing my thinking around attention. As an artist who considers attention deeply in my work, as well as person generally distractable as we all are, there are prompts and exercises here I know I will return to in my own practices of attention, presence, and artmaking.

[Sarah Shotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I’d had this book a few years ago when I began to struggle with social media. I love the emphasis of curiosity versus judgement. So many beautiful nuggets throughout. My favorite chapters were on creativity and research. ✨

[Katelyn Childs]

Not my fave

[baked and booked]

Net galley ARC