Focused Attention
When you are feeling anxious, distracted or outright overwhelmed, it is possible to regain composure and focus quickly and effectively. The solution—resting attention on a single focal point or focused attention.
VUCA; Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. In April at the SD annual retreat, many of us raised our hands when asked if any of those words resonated. A majority of us agreed that there are demands that make living challenging and stressful. At work it is anything from stringent contracts to meticulous emails. It is clear that we need skills to navigate a VUCA world. Luckily, mindfulness has the ability to calm and focus the mind, allowing clarity to be experienced. No matter the situation, the ability to calm and focus a distracted mind can be extremely beneficial.
Corporate Attention Span:
47% average time spent mind wandering.
70% leaders report regularly unable to be attentive in meetings.
Realizing the opportunity, we understand the above facts cannot prevail in order for us to be successful. The ability to exercise focused attention means being able to direct your attention, becoming aware IF and WHEN your mind has wandered, then being able to redirect focus to the task at hand. A useful exercise for cultivating a state of mind that is calm and focused is the Focal Breath Practice. When feeling stressed or anxious; stop what you are doing and direct full, undivided attention to the experience of breathing. If you notice your mind wandering, simply reset by refocusing your attention on the experience of breathing or; by taking a breath and kindly considering when one breath ended and when the next began. Repeat this at your own pace and rhythm until the uncomfort dissipates.
The Focal Breath Practice can be accessed at any time to decrease stress and distraction. Over the last week, I have used the practice to start my day and find it to be a refreshing at the end of my day before being swallowed whole by the VUCA World.
First published in NewsReal on July 12, 2019.