This is too true. We depend too much on this mindless swiping through everything on our mobile. I didn't miss it when I was busy learning something new that will enhance me today. Perhaps, that's the question we need to ask ourselves when we mindlessly roam through the digital (metaverse )world.
Incredible photos. I had no idea when you said "hike" last week this is what you meant. I really like the Presence, Permission, Safety trio. I made me think that the very context of nature is a great way to set a foundation for all of those things as all those elements abound, unless you're climbing mountains! Then the safety element isn't quite as predominant, but in terms of human relationship, sharing an intentional danger is ironically a kind of emotional safety between people.
For me, the takeaway from reading your post was related to Presence. Being distraction free is challenging in a culture of go-go-go, hurry-up and relax, FOMO, and prioritizing productivity (everything has to have a valuable outcome, be done efficiently, etc, etc)
I notice that one of my biggest 'distractions' when trying to be present for others is just my awarenss of passing time.
I always feel the next 'deadline' gnawing away at my attention. It can be as simple as the intense whispers of the six things I have to still do before bedtime, or as tangible as the actual meeting I have starting in 45 minutes. Either way, I find it hard to truly turn my attention to the person in front of me and genuinely let go of the distraction of whatever is looming on the near horizon.
So that is what I'm going to direct some attention at this week. Thanks for the inspiration!
A wise person called Keith once recommended a book to me, "Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.: The Catalyst’s Guide to Working Well"
One of the useful insights I picked up from it that's been helpful in a world where I have lots of things I want to do and not enough time to hold - and nurture - all of them at the same time, was the creation of a "Not Right Now" list.
It sounded too simple to be effective, but there are plenty of things that go on that list that I now don't "get distracted" by.
I wonder if creating a list that contains your awareness of passing time, your next deadline, the next meeting might help.
And whether something more tangible - like putting objects that represent these things (the piece of paper you've written the list on, or your phone that symbolises the reminder for your next meeting) might help?
Also, the challenge of being distraction free in the culture you've identified speaks to a need for cultivating a capacity for boredom. There's something I came across the other day about it, and if I find it, I'll share it!
This is too true. We depend too much on this mindless swiping through everything on our mobile. I didn't miss it when I was busy learning something new that will enhance me today. Perhaps, that's the question we need to ask ourselves when we mindlessly roam through the digital (metaverse )world.
Indeed, mindless swiping is so easy to fall into - sitting on the train, on the sofa at home.
I like the question, "What will enhance me today?" as a way to counter-swipe!
Incredible photos. I had no idea when you said "hike" last week this is what you meant. I really like the Presence, Permission, Safety trio. I made me think that the very context of nature is a great way to set a foundation for all of those things as all those elements abound, unless you're climbing mountains! Then the safety element isn't quite as predominant, but in terms of human relationship, sharing an intentional danger is ironically a kind of emotional safety between people.
Beautifully said, Rick!
Some of us are fortunate enough to have a choice about the environment we immerse ourselves in.
💯 nature is a great way to set a foundation for presence, permission and safety.
It's like a "close connection" setting you can choose on an app at the press of a button.
Nature is a close connection setting. That's beautiful.
Great post, Eric. This has been on my mind, too.
For me, the takeaway from reading your post was related to Presence. Being distraction free is challenging in a culture of go-go-go, hurry-up and relax, FOMO, and prioritizing productivity (everything has to have a valuable outcome, be done efficiently, etc, etc)
I notice that one of my biggest 'distractions' when trying to be present for others is just my awarenss of passing time.
I always feel the next 'deadline' gnawing away at my attention. It can be as simple as the intense whispers of the six things I have to still do before bedtime, or as tangible as the actual meeting I have starting in 45 minutes. Either way, I find it hard to truly turn my attention to the person in front of me and genuinely let go of the distraction of whatever is looming on the near horizon.
So that is what I'm going to direct some attention at this week. Thanks for the inspiration!
A wise person called Keith once recommended a book to me, "Move Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out.: The Catalyst’s Guide to Working Well"
One of the useful insights I picked up from it that's been helpful in a world where I have lots of things I want to do and not enough time to hold - and nurture - all of them at the same time, was the creation of a "Not Right Now" list.
It sounded too simple to be effective, but there are plenty of things that go on that list that I now don't "get distracted" by.
I wonder if creating a list that contains your awareness of passing time, your next deadline, the next meeting might help.
And whether something more tangible - like putting objects that represent these things (the piece of paper you've written the list on, or your phone that symbolises the reminder for your next meeting) might help?
Also, the challenge of being distraction free in the culture you've identified speaks to a need for cultivating a capacity for boredom. There's something I came across the other day about it, and if I find it, I'll share it!