Where’s the focus?
It’s been another busy week, and in at least one case my time has been taken up, wasted, really, by a colleague who is intent on grinding an ax for someone else, thus making office politics a life mission devoid of good humor. Some people have nothing better to do I suppose.
But it takes a toll on us all. So this weekend I set out to do the only thing I can think of that is an antidote for such things - I focused on doing a few small creative acts. I started by repairing the window on the car, then I tidied the mess in my garage, and then I set about doing a few small creative writing projects. The air cleared remarkably, and fast. My mood lifted. I began to remember the good things of the week: a friend who despaired of being able to have children emailing me to say she’s pregnant; a student sending me a thank-you note with a small gift just out of the blue; a friend whose house was flooded out a couple of months ago telling me he’s found exactly the place he wants to move to and is exhilaratingly happy. Things like that.
It all depends upon where you focus, doesn’t it?
on October 17th, 2007 at 2:59 am
I’m glad to be reminded of the relationship of focus to mood. I’ll apply your lesson tomorrow.
Many thanks for your time and effort on my behalf. MLou
on October 18th, 2007 at 11:16 am
It does certainly all depend on where you focus -
Last night I was feeling scattered and unfocused. The calm and clarity I derive from my morning yoga had worn off, and my to-do-lists were swimming around in my head .
I grabbed my jacket and went out onto my deck.
I simply watched the changing light among the leaves on my maple tree.
Listened to a lone cricket fiddling his evening song.
Was surprised by the stars that seemed to suddenly appear through the fog.
I found peace, focus, my soul.
on October 18th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
Dear Jean,
Dear Jean,
I think you just wrote a poem, there. I love the sense of being
’surprised’ by the stars. Because that’s exactly it; the stars are there,
waiting for us to notice them. Only then can they truly ‘appear through
the fog’ whether the fog be outer or inner….
Thank you for your truly lovely post.
Allan
on October 18th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Dear Mary Lou,
The Dalai Lama said it best. He said that we can always choose peace. Now, that’s a wonderful lesson in terms of focus…
As always, Allan
on October 18th, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Dear Allan,
A poem ? Yes, I woke up with a poem in my head !
And yes that is exactly the point of it all - the stars are there waiting for us to notice them,
the peace is there ready to be chosen!
What a great thought to carry with us throughout our day!
Peace and blessings,
Jean