Thanks for sharing this incredibly helpful perspective! I feel that some of my thoughts were going into a similar direction recently, but I could not quite phrase them. E.g., sometimes I feel I get overwhelmed by all the articles I want to read on Susbtack and then I am not enjoying reading a single one since I want to read them all and there is only so little time. But letting go of the others ones that you might or might not read, helps so much to FOCUS (enjoy) the one you just happen to read in this very moment.
What you are describing here is creative flow, which is connecting with the spirit. We have two warring factions in our consciousness: spirit and ego. Spirit VS. ego. When we worry too much about performing, producing, yada yada, we are operating from ego. We tighten up. We don't perform to our best ability. When we let go and let spirit take over--enter that elusive state of creative flow--that's when our performance soars. Thanks for this thought provoking piece.
I will try this, thanks. I usually do at least two things at the same time, for example- listening podcast or audiobooks while I am cooking or doing any house chores.
I totally agree with you that a relaxed and single minded focus is the key to getting into a creative flow. Women have evolved as multitaskers, caring for their families, gathering and preparing food, where men have evolved as singleminded, focused on the hunt. So I think it’s harder for women. But when a woman relaxes and turns her focus on a single subject look out! Very powerful. What do you think?
Thanks David. My view is that focus is harder for anyone who is in several places at once in their minds. Multi-tasking isn't a thing, in my view. You're always only doing one thing at a time. The issue is whether you are trying to do one thing, while thinking of another. That's why when people force trying to be focused, they end up less focused, because they are in their heads.
Thanks for sharing this incredibly helpful perspective! I feel that some of my thoughts were going into a similar direction recently, but I could not quite phrase them. E.g., sometimes I feel I get overwhelmed by all the articles I want to read on Susbtack and then I am not enjoying reading a single one since I want to read them all and there is only so little time. But letting go of the others ones that you might or might not read, helps so much to FOCUS (enjoy) the one you just happen to read in this very moment.
Thanks Fabienne. That's exactly the challenge for many. We aren't present with any one thing, and end up struggling.
What you are describing here is creative flow, which is connecting with the spirit. We have two warring factions in our consciousness: spirit and ego. Spirit VS. ego. When we worry too much about performing, producing, yada yada, we are operating from ego. We tighten up. We don't perform to our best ability. When we let go and let spirit take over--enter that elusive state of creative flow--that's when our performance soars. Thanks for this thought provoking piece.
Exactly, Frances - it's a skill, and many of us need to unlearn a lot!
Love this! What a great perspective! I appreciate this essay🙏❤️‼️
Thanks Wayne! Thanks for dropping by.
I will try this, thanks. I usually do at least two things at the same time, for example- listening podcast or audiobooks while I am cooking or doing any house chores.
some things you can get away with to do at the same time. I see no problem with that as long as you're not making yourself less effective.
“I found focus is more about letting go than 'trying hard.'
The skill here is in the letting go.” I found this to be so true as well but so hard to implement.
Thanks Neera
Love this: “This means that doing one thing at a time, without interfering distractions, and free of self-pressure is the way.”
I see it as find one thing that puts you in flow.
There could be several ‘one’ things that do this for you. But do one at a time.
Thanks Ramon!
This is cool…it’s like judgement and enjoyment are on opposite ends of the spectrum.
They are!
I totally agree with you that a relaxed and single minded focus is the key to getting into a creative flow. Women have evolved as multitaskers, caring for their families, gathering and preparing food, where men have evolved as singleminded, focused on the hunt. So I think it’s harder for women. But when a woman relaxes and turns her focus on a single subject look out! Very powerful. What do you think?
Thanks David. My view is that focus is harder for anyone who is in several places at once in their minds. Multi-tasking isn't a thing, in my view. You're always only doing one thing at a time. The issue is whether you are trying to do one thing, while thinking of another. That's why when people force trying to be focused, they end up less focused, because they are in their heads.