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October 2020
Overcoming Distractions
Two things can consistently be in the way
of making your dreams come true: One is your unconscious resistance
and the other is allowing continual conscious distractions to become
a priority.
With the world changing rapidly around us, it
feels like we are more prone to distraction than ever. Make it a
priority to unplug from the world for at least a few minutes each
day, to refocus your thoughts, intentions, and energy on what is
most important to you. When you consciously pull your energy from
external events and distractions, you can place it on what you want
to see for yourself and the world.
As we evolve more fully
into our divine selves, we feel excited and want to grow. Yet, each
day we might be blocking our growth with conscious or unconscious
resistance. Resistance can take many forms, and that includes
resistances which are really distractions. And let’s face it,
distractions are something we allow. So, it isn’t distractions that
block our path forward, but our allowing and using distractions that
then keep us from our full potential.
Use meditation to ask
the inside of you, “Why do I allow distractions?” We each have a
choice and don’t have to be interrupted by them. Taking time to
discover your ‘why’ will provide you with a greater understanding of
what is really blocking you.
Your use of distractions, which
are keeping you from what you really want, is heightened by the
world. From technology to a desire to multitask, the world primes us
with distractions.
How do we manage all of this? How can we be in
charge, have authority over our mind, and be conscious of how we
choose to spend our time? It is critical to use our mind and choices
to support where we want to be spiritually. These choices drive our
divine purpose, potential, and even the health of our relationships.
First, make a commitment. Aim to be 100% present, in the moment,
focused on what you are doing, creating, or enjoying. This includes
letting go of worry about the past or future - to zero in on the
moment and what you are engaged in.
When we choose to be
present, we are giving others or our chosen activity our undivided
attention. It allows us to get out of our head and connect on a
heart level. Whether it is journaling, painting, writing, listening,
or so many other activities – it is a commitment to give them 100%
of your attention. An added component is the gift of slowing down,
noticing and appreciating all aspects of what you are experiencing.
This brings peace, gratitude, and increased learning.
In
client sessions with young people, they often tell me how they wish
Mom or Dad would just stop what they are doing and really listen for
a few minutes. They also share that when they’ve had that
connection, how good it makes them feel. How many of your
relationships would benefit from distraction-free communication?
When we keep distractions out of our communications, it
expresses how the other person and their experience is important to
us. Don’t we want those around us to feel that level of respect and
openness?
I hope the following practical tips help you
forward on your path of acknowledging, addressing, and overcoming
your distractions. It is a journey and won’t unfold all at once. Be
patient and persistent and you will see amazing impacts across your
life.
Practical Tips for Overcoming Distractions
Focus: Be a camera and bring the thing you want
to focus on into the foreground with everything else remaining
blurred in the background. Consciously bring your area of focus to
the front of your mind, and let everything else blur away. Whether
it is a person, thought, meditation, or soaking in the tub… Focus on
that completely. When you really focus in on something, you are
being present and receive the best results possible.
Exercise Your Choice: Ignoring distractions and
being present is a choice. There are times when you haven’t made a
conscious decision to focus. This is often occurs when you are
passionate about something and it just happens naturally. It takes
little effort to be totally submerged in a moment when it is
something important to you. For everything else, you may have to
utilize choice. When you are with a friend and your thoughts wander
elsewhere, you can choose to pull your attention back to your friend
and focus. When you are with your teenage son who wants to tell you
about his day, but you are busy getting dinner and watching the
younger children - you can choose to stop and listen to him
completely, even for a few moments. Your gift of your undivided
focus will be appreciated and valued. Although we always have a
choice, the challenge can be remembering to do so when you are in
the middle of many distractions which are competing for your
attention.
Use Reminders: Create routines,
notes, whatever is specific to alter your habits. Maybe that means
taping notes to ‘Be Present’. A visual reminder taped on your mirror
or refrigerator can help create new habits. Maybe it requires
turning off your phone or placing it out of reach to resist the urge
to look at messages. When I get in the car, before I take it out of
park, I say to myself, “I am driving the car. I am only focused on
driving the car.” If I begin to feel distracted in any way, I’ll
repeat the reminder. It’s so easy to fall into distracted driving,
whether by a phone or even being lost in our thoughts. But saying
the reminder can help maintain focus. Choose to do whatever will
remind you to focus – in whatever areas you need it most.
Set a Goal: Try setting a mindfulness goal around
how often each day you want to be present. Attainable goals can make
it easier to evolve into a much more focused person. With each goal
you achieve, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that will inspire
you to move even further forward.
Practice:
It’s important to consciously choose to practice focusing on the
present. Start small. Aim to be fully present on one thing that is
important to you during each day. When you consciously practice, it
speeds your ability to easily handle distractions. Practicing your
focus skills will enhance your relationships with others and help
you to achieve your dreams and goals.
Contact Alice
to learn how she can help you master this topic - or transform other
health, emotion, and spiritual issues.
Free consultations are offered to all new clients to learn how
Alice's work is directly tailored to address your areas of concern.
Don't wait - step onto your Healing Path today!
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