- Attention is in the past or future
- Distracted
- Less Aware
- React based on default aka habit patterns and assumptions.
When feeling bombarded, with our mind moving at warp speed, try a Three Breaths practice. In three breaths, available anytime, we can refresh, reframe, and make a choice about our mind’s focus:
- First Breath: Bring complete, yet gentle attention to the process of breathing, at whatever pace is comfortable for you
- Second Breath: Let the body relax with the intake and out breath
- Third Breath: Ask, what’s most important now aka what do I want to focus my attention on right now?
2. Single Focus
If demands in work and life are too much, switch to one task at a time. Create a list of your ten “To Do’s” and then choose one for focusing your attention. Fully bring your mind to the one activity until complete.
3. Focused Attention Sitting Practice
Consider trying out a Focused Attention practice on your favorite meditation app. Even a few minutes of sitting quietly and resting in awareness of your breath will help you cultivate self-awareness. If your mind starts to wander, gently and kindly bring attention back to your breath (or another sensation, like listening). We can’t stop our minds from thinking and that’s ok. Sitting meditation is about noticing, not stillness. Listen HERE to my five minute practice.