72. Where are you right now?
...attention spans curdling faster than milk
Sometimes I set the playback speed to 1.5, skip the intro and skim read 50 comments, simultaneously flitting between open 10 tabs.
I’ve rationalised that the comments help me to decide whether to commit to the 8-minute video.
5 comments in and I decide to stay.
I wonder where the time is running to and why I’m chasing it?
Lately, I find myself slipping into a daydream mid-conversation, only to be brought back by the words ‘where are you right now?’ Perhaps this has been going on a while.
Sometimes I study the marks on the ceiling to force myself to sit with boredom. I don’t remember when it became such a frustrating companion. We don’t spend a lot of time together, you see.
When did our attention span become so hijacked?
Is this more insidious than we have bargained for?
[completely unrelated – but maybe related – side note: tik tok went offline in the US today. I think this marks the beginning of a reality check on information exchange/processing/freedom, the long-term physical effects of digital dopamine hits and internet censorship. things about to get real interesting around here].
This morning I inhaled deeply into my belly and then I released – sinking into a cacophony of tingles. I repeat this like 10 or 15 times, and then hold my breath, until my heart rate slows down and echoes in my ears, blocking out the sound of the outside world. Everything is silent.
And then when it feels like I’m on the edge I breathe in for 15 seconds and then release.
Repeat (x3)
This is a breathing technique by Wim Hof.
I never stick to one meditation practice. Simple and stripped back is my preference right now.
To take back my focus, I’m just focusing on the breath.
Do you know what owns your attention?
Maybe start exploring this…
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