IMS 2007 Retreat Introduction Talk (2:11-2:41)
We can know that the mind is paying attention. Touch something and see whether you can notice that the mind is paying attention.
If you notice that the mind is doing this work of paying attention, you can start meditating by being aware of the mind that is paying attention.
If you cannot notice the mind that is paying attention, then you can start by noticing the object itself, what the mind is paying attention to.