Few Distractions

The modern world is jarring. Distractions are everywhere. Multitasking is elevated as a virtue. Splitting the mind, skimming everything, absorbing high rates of data -these are job and life requirements.

Yet the great thinkers of the past, the philosophers, scientists, and mystics, all knew that the most powerful force in the universe is the focused mine. How few the opportunities in our world to practice the art.

I find myself back in the world of sparkle and fluff. The TV is on. I'm drowning it out with music and headphones. Much to my surprise, even the celebrities in the grocery check out magazines grabbed my attention. What a waste of focus.

Mindfulness is a virtue in many religions and schools of thought. At least I caught myself being distracted.

Years ago I'd wander off into the woods to avoid the mental static and clear my mind. An extended hike in the backcountry did much to restore my soul.

After a few weeks on the boat, paying attention to wind, waves, and wildlife, my mind relaxed into that same state once achieved only in the remote woods. What a fine discovery -like a gift to myself.

What's the point of all these modern distractions? Who's served by our lack of mental focus? If the brain is like a computer, who's doing the programming? Is is the talking heads on the TV? Garbage in, garbage out.

Clear all that out and program your own mind. We all serve somebody. Might as well serve ourselves.

-Sixbears