I have been thinking a lot lately on the art of focus. The various things that captivate us and propel us forward. Where we place our focus. We seem to spend the majority of our time focusing on the external things in our lives… things that are going on all around us. Making sure this is right, this is good, their taken care of, etc. In all our concern for everyone else there seems to be little time spent on internal focus.
When it comes to taking the time to look within we seem to procrastinate. The great art of procrastination…the ability to distract ourselves from what is at hand. Amazing how we can become so caught up in every one and everything else but what we need to be focusing on.
That is the topic of this post…FOCUS. Where is your focus? Is it on what matters or are you placing it on what you think you should be focused on, like what looks good to the outside world?
What do I mean by that? I think you know. We all have done it, or maybe are still doing it. We make it appear that we are focused on what we are supposed to be focused on (what everyone thinks we should be focused on) and in fact we are coasting along, acting out a roll. Depending on where you are in your life and who you have surrounded yourself with, what you are focused on could actually be what you want and need to be focused on. I believe however that 9 times out of 10 it’s not. I believe we spend far too much time catering to what others think.
Time…There is an interesting word and concept. I am baffled by time. How can something so constant and methodical be so inconsistent? How can we lose track of hours and have nothing…NOTHING to show for it? And then…how is it possible to accomplish so much in such a seemingly short amount of it? Some would say that when you are doing what you love or enjoy, time is irrelevant… True in a sense, but how can that be? How do you base enjoyment? Is it on what you have accomplished or what you have savored? One seems measurable and one is not, but does that mean the love or enjoyment is more or less?
I have been spending a lot of time lately “going with the flow”. Trying to allow things to unfold for me. There is a fine line in allowing. I have come to realize that “allowing” or “going with the flow” is my nemesis, my kryptonite. When you are an all or nothing person, learning to allow without stalling is quite challenging. Yes, being aware is the first step, but it’s not the only step. Acknowledging the need to engage but not take over is a lesson in of itself. Focusing on a goal but not turning that focus into a tunnel like vision is paramount.
Learning to look at what it is your focus is on, and being able to ask yourself some questions, these are steps that must be taken. Asking, by the way, is the easy part…answering them honestly is what is tricky. It is when we are answering those questions, that we need to remember to remove the masks that we wear and allow ourselves the permission to be honest. For whatever reason, being honest with ourselves is one of the hardest things we can do, but necessary.
When we turn off the external distractions in our life (TV, radio, chores and activities) and actually welcome the silence, what feels like doing nothing is really quite opposite. What feels like wasted hours of not accomplishing a thing is actually a re-connection to self. It is in those moments of silence, that we are allowed the chance to think and remember. Our mind begins to wander, and in those times of wandering we become re-engaged with what and who we are. Allowing ourselves the time needed to focus on the internal you will help empower you to reach your internal and external goals as well as enhance your overall focus.
In conclusion; enjoy this time of transition. Savor the “wasted” moments in your days ahead. Take time to reconnect with yourself. Focus on what is important to you.
Namaste~