Learn to focus

In an extremely busy and confusing world, it is very difficult to find the time or the wherewithal to locate your purpose — the central mission of your life. This is especially true for adolescents. How do we focus on life itself and its meaning? What is my quest in life? It is to be noted that this has always been the case. Since time immemorial, we have been searching for the Holy Grail (1) of consciousness. Reality, invariably, has been puzzling and quixotic for the thinking person. However, this is magnified in our present digital age. Young adults in contemporary society are beset with an overabundance of perplexing imagery that clouds their perception.  

The iconic question is posed: “How do I become lucid and have access to the universal truths (2) of life?” Here there are two responses. The one is that life is simple drudgery interlaced with an occasional bout of happiness – there are no universals. The other is that all can be achieved. I can have peace and joy in my life. A relatively simple choice, I would say. Then why are the vast majority of people unhappy? (3) Is it because we are cowards and afraid — fearful of the consequences – terrified of the unknown? This cannot be the case. 

Fundamentally, every human being if he were honest would admit to feeling a sense of panic and confusion in his heart – especially when he is young, certainly at the onset of life’s adventure. What to do? The secret is to just begin the journey, as you would define it – in other words, merely act! Ignore the white noise (4) that constantly threatens to envelop you, stop, and focus on the existent world around you. It is here that the answer to life’s inner secrets exists. All answers lie within you! This sounds entirely ethereal and exotic, but in actual fact, this is an age-old remedy to the confusion and apprehension of existence.   

In the mid 19th century, as capitalism commenced its domination of American society, Henry David Thoreau (5) began to look at how to “keep sane” in a world that was quickly losing its natural environment. His reflections are assembled in his book entitled Walden. (6) It can give us some thoughts on how to approach an inquisitive life: “We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake, not by mechanical aids, but by an infinite expectation of the dawn, which does not forsake us even in our soundest sleep.  

I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by a conscious endeavor. It is something to be able to paint a particular picture, or to carve a statue, and so to make a few objects beautiful; but it is far more glorious to carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look, which morally we can do. To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.”  

Thoreau is saying that I must uncover the magnificence inside of me. It is to be noted, nonetheless, that this remains covered unless I learn to focus on the beauty surrounding me and, in turn, consciously commit myself to lead a dynamic and inquisitive life — which I most certainly can!  The contemplative sage, Socrates, in Dan Millman’s book “Way of the Peaceful Warrior” (7) leaves us with a thought:  The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. 

 A closing thought: At present, our society is experiencing a semi-lockdown situation. There are far fewer cars on the streets and the usually bustling sidewalks are empty. Add to this, the deluge of the spring rains and you have an enforced sense of solitude. In all this, I took a much-needed walk to a local park. It has a small canal that runs through it. At the edge of the stream, I noticed a tiny black bird with a spectacular white plume on her head – like some stylish hairdo.  

She was pacing back and forth and back and forth, peering into the flowing freshet. I stared at her for a very long time. She was obviously looking for something to eat. I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude. I don’t have to search for food and at sixty-four, I am healthy and happy: what blessings! It was my friend and mentor, Keith Bramwell, who taught me how to focus and be aware of the life around the self some 45 years ago. It was, perhaps his most gracious gift — the realization that I determine my reality each and every day.  

To sum up: This week, we spoke about getting focused on the world around all of us: its birds and bees and people and events.  

To be noted:  From William Wordsworth (8): Wisdom is ofttimes nearer when we stoop than when we soar.

Just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBEwP95zNGk&t=5734s 

For reflection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFU-rJXQlxI&t=596s&ab_channel=NewHistoriaNewHistoria  

This week, on your curious trek, please reflect on how you can hone your own sense of perception. 

 Every day look for something magical and beautiful. 

Quote: Learn to look, truly look, at the beautiful world around you. 

Footnotes: 

1) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Grail 

2) https://www.huffpost.com/entry/12-universal-truths-that-will-change-your-life-for-the-better_b_5998144 

3) https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/06/britons-feeling-far-less-satisfied-life-official-data-shows 

4) https://krisp.ai/blog/background-noise-impact/ 

5) https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/thoreau/ 

6) Walden by Henry David Thoreau (ISBN: 978-1400-1069-36) 

7) Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman (ISBN: 978-0915-8110-07) 

8) https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/william-wordsworth 

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