“When walking, walk. When eating, eat.”
~Zen Proverb
If you stop and really think about it, we tend to multi-task much of our lives. What if we just stopped for a moment and concentrated on the task at hand? It would take some practice but imagine the possibilities! Viewing what we are doing, the things and happenings around us with full concentration, with undivided attention actually slows the mind (which creates a less stressful mind).
A racing mind is a tense mind. A focused mind is calmer, more engaged. It’s also easier to solve a problem or to understand a situation when you turn your full attention to it. The same goes for enjoyment. It’s much easier to enjoy something or appreciate it when you concentrate on it. Don’t rush thoughts or focus. Enjoy it and spend time with it.
concentrate
verb
- focus your attention on, focus on, pay attention to, be engrossed in, put your mind to, keep your mind on, apply yourself to, give your mind to, give all your attention to
attention
noun
- thinking, thought, mind, notice, consideration, concentration, observation, scrutiny, heed, deliberation, contemplation, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, intentness, heedfulness
Using all your senses helps focus attention and concentration and allows you to participate in your thoughts. When enjoying a bath, feel the warmth of the water, enjoy the aroma of the bath salts or soap, listen to the water running, see the bubbles or steam. Envelope your self in the moment. In a field of flowers, stop and enjoy them! Concentrate on the color, the smell, the feel of the soft petals. Listen to the wind blowing it gently. In conversation, focus your attention on the speaker. Listen with the whole mind. Watch their expression. Be engaged and let them speak without bringing judgment or offering advice. Most often a person just needs to vent and they will eventually solve their own issues just by listening to what they are saying.
Focusing the mind and turning the attention to one thing at a time is far more productive than a bunch of garbled thoughts on different ideas or problems. Focusing brings us into calm and decreases anxiety. Easier said than done sometimes, especially when what you are trying to focus on is not fun, pleasant or is boring. And it’s something that takes practice! But by acknowledging those fleeting thoughts that break your concentration, and letting them go….over and over and over…eventually your focus will become more fine tuned!
One last thought…journaling is a great exercise for focus. Describe your thoughts on paper, type it out or audibly record them! Nothing will put you in the present like journaling!
Feel free to share your own tips on how you stay focused in the comment section.
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But did you know how great apples are for your skin? High in Vitamins A, C & B, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus and Potassium, polyphenols and flavonoids…apples are packed with goodness for your inside and outside!
