There must be so many things that I miss
When I’m sitting in traffic and fuming out loud
Or working to deadlines with eyes on the screen,
But what’s going on in a world that’s so rich
With love and experience woven through life
Like a long golden thread catching the light?
And all we can see is the black and the white,
The brown as it muddies the picture that formed
In the back of our minds, burning a memory
That will be burned on the surface
Like a scorch mark on the palest of skin.
I watched a mini documentary on Netflix yesterday and it was all about concentration and focus, and it taught me a few things about how I see the world.
The basic message that the programme was trying to get across was that humans are generally pretty bad at multi-tasking; we can only really focus on one thing at a time. I always thought that I was good at doing more than one thing at a time, and I realised that actually, this was not true.
For example, I always write while watching TV and I thought that I could do that quite successfully. However, I now see that when I’m focusing on one thing, I absolutely cannot take in what is going on on the screen.
But, worse than that was the realisation that I must miss so much in life because of this. I’m focusing on one thing and missing out on possibly something better. On the show they asked you to focus on something and while you do you completely miss the fact that a gorilla walks into shot.
If I can miss a gorilla tiptoeing across the screen, what wonderful things might I accidentally be missing out on?
I don’t know how we get around this because we are wired this way, but I do know that I should stop going out of my way to zoom in on the negative crap. I guess it’s true that you really can shape your life, just by concentrating on the good stuff.
That’s something to think about whenever I’m moaning about the bad kids in my class next week. Instead, I’ll look very carefully at the remaining twenty kids who are concentrating and enjoying my lesson.
Much Love
Rachel xx
Margot Kinberg
I’ve read studies that show that trying to multi-task is much harder (and more exhausting) than keeping our focus on one thing at a time. That’s part of why distracted driving is such a menace. So, if we’re going to focus on one or two things at at a time, it might as well be something good and positive and life-affirming. You have a really good point there, Rachel!
clcouch123
Well, I guess that’s how we are, all of us. We can’t split-focus, though it’s cool when it’s rendered in a movie. More important is your point that we can focus on the positive and shape our lives that way. Thanks for that wise message.
K.L. Hale
It’s human nature to want to accomplish as much as possible! I used to pride myself on multi-tasking; not anymore. My brain injury won’t allow it. I can become overwhelmed and overstimulated if I try to do too much. I’ve found more peace concentrating on one thing at a time. It doesn’t mean I don’t view the entire picture. Just the opposite. I set weekly goals and see the big picture of finding good and removing toxic. One by one I knock out the little things~it’s s process. I know it’s not simple with kids. But you have a good plan on concentrating on the good. I sure would hate to miss an ape walking by!! Take care sweet Rachel. ❤️🤗🙏🏻
patientandkindlove
I think that there is a lot to be said for mindfulness and just being in the moment. We probably need to stop being proud of ourselves for being busy and just slow down a bit.
K.L. Hale
Exactly! Wise words ❣️ it’s taken me to 51 and I’ll never stop learning.