I realize that I end up overwhelmed at times because I open myself to all the ideas and sensations the world has to offer. This happens frequently when I try to meditate and be aware of everything. There are so many stimuli to process. Our mind can only focus on one thing or a few things at a time. We can confuse ourselves by trying to focus on too many things. Naturally, the stimuli outside of our focus is zoned out. Like the incessant ticking of a clock, it disappears from our awareness unless we direct our focus towards it. Have you noticed that we only become aware of tension in our bodies when we direct our awareness towards physical sensations?
Awareness is not an omnipresent light that illuminates everything. It is a directed light like the beam from a light house. We have a choice about what we focus on. This is empowering. However, our minds gravitate towards things that we habitually focus on. For me, this is negative or anxious thoughts. Is awareness your master or are you the master of awareness?
What if we use awareness to our advantage? What if we use our limited focus to guide ourselves towards the life that we want to live? We can practice focusing on breath, focusing on gratitude, focusing on just taking the next step towards our goals. Our minds tire when we place our focus on too many things at once, so placing our intention on one thing at a time keeps us calm and purposeful.
Limiting and intentionally directing our focus can get us through the toughest times. We can will our minds and bodies to take one step when the world is falling apart around us. One step at a time, we can get through it. Just as it’s best not to look down when traversing an obstacle at height, focusing on one thing at a time is the only way to keep our wits and not succumb to the literal and imagined dangers around us.
What are good ways of practicing limited and intentional focus?
Set intentions and time limits for your activities. For example, you can do 15 minutes of mindfulness meditation, then 15 minutes of journaling, and so on. Make time for and prioritize the things you wish to do in a day. Move on when the time for something has ended. It’ll help to stay more present and engaged in an activity when you know there is a limit.
I hope that limited and intentional focus can help you get through the toughest times. It has saved me from crushing emotions and seemingly insurmountable life situations. I hope it can help you overcome and thrive.