More Monkey Mind

Recently, the thought occurred to me that I was spending too much time and energy focused on what other people were doing, and not enough on creating my life.  I catch myself from time to time looking at websites or phone apps, not because of any particular intention, but just to occupy time or because there might be something interesting.

The content pushers that feed streams of stuff into email accounts and onto websites thrive on behavior like mine.  But does it help me thrive?

I had a double lesson today on the impact of device diversion.  I started off the day making a decision to work on the things on my list, and only use the computer, and especially the smartphone, for specific tasks related to what I was doing.  For example, I wrote some thank you cards, and looked up the addresses on the phone.  I used the computer to look up some information and write some emails for the Composers Society.  But I refrained from random surfing, and even from looking at the major news sites.

It took a little bit of effort at times, but the end result was that I didn't fill my mind with a bunch of distractions, got quite a bit done, and felt more settled and less frantic.

Then I discovered that Evan had sent several text messages while I was out running, and that Dad had gone to the hospital for some tests.  There was ongoing communication for a couple of hours, and then I went to yoga class knowing that I might need to respond to a message or a call.  I settled by the door, and told the instructor what was going on.  She was understanding, and tolerated me keeping my phone at the mat with the ring off.

Just as the class began, I got a text from Evan that I replied to.  There were a few back and forth.  Then a phone call, so I stepped out.  Later a text came saying that Dad was being sent back to the assisted living home.  I stepped out to call them and make sure they were ready.

I was amazed at the impact on my attention.  I immediately felt how it kept me from settling in to the attentive and focused space that I normally enjoy in a class, even though I had anticipated it and was as prepared as I could be.

In one day, I vividly experienced the positive effects of intentionally avoiding the technology-facilitated distractions, and the impact on a highly focused activity when I had to pay attention to the incoming messages.  Together, these experiences clarify for me the importance of directing my attention and activity, and minimizing my exposure to the chatter of the cyber monkey mind.