where attention goes, energy flows
So, it appears I have a focus problem.
I mentioned in my last post that I’m really working on creating routine — and for the most part, it’s working. I’ve made my bed every day this week. I’ve started my mornings with meditation and a huge glass of water. I’m journaling. I’m getting outside. And the routine is incredibly comforting.
However: when I sit to meditate? I think about work.
When I go for my hike? I think about work.
When I sit down to work? I think about Facebook.
It’s like everything that I set out to do, I’m distracted by something else. And this often ends up with a day where I don’t feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to accomplish, or attempted tasks that I’ve really only half-assed, and called them “done.”
Just me?*
They say when you meditate, one of the hardest things to do is to still your mind. “It’s normal,” practitioners say, “just notice when your mind drifts, and then bring it back to your breath.”
I’m realizing that this advice is something I need to remember when I do … well, everything. As my attention drifts, I need to take a breath, notice that I’m not focused, and bring it back. I’m hoping that with practice, I’ll get better at it.
This morning, toward the end of my hike, I realized that I hadn’t noticed anything around me for the 4 miles I’d been on the trails, my mind was so preoccupied with other stuff. So I brought my attention back to the present, and right in front of me, I found a pine cone on a branch that had fallen from its tree. It’s rare that I’ve seen a pine cone actually remain attached to its branch, and I thought it was quite pretty. So I picked it up, and brought it home. Hopefully, it’ll act as a reminder of the old adage, “where attention goes, energy flows.”
I’ll let you know how I do.
* If you have problems with focusing like I do, here are apparently a few other things you can do to get your mind back on track.)
a reminder of cadence.