Last week I decided to do one of the suggested exercises — the one where we remove all distractions and disengage to listen to our own thoughts. I had planned on doing this at a later, more convenient, time but I had just experienced a week of overwhelm and I needed some clarity. So, last Sunday, with some unease about how I was going to get through the next several hours , I started my day of disengagement. I began with a 3-hour walk – training for an upcoming half-marathon. And that part was easy – just walking, observing, thinking – and totally enjoyable. A great start.
Back at home, things got a bit more difficult. I can sit still and think/meditate for about an hour at a time. Between times, I was a flurry of activity, getting a lot of household chores done.
So, this is what I learned:
- the reason for my lack of progress in my goals isn’t laziness, it’s how easily I’m distracted. Which is valuable information because I can learn to limit my distractions.
- when not distracted, I want to do my chores/work/dharma. Knowing this is fueling my engagement with my dharma and making it easier to eliminate distractions.
- that my clarity improved and, most importantly, I was able to recognize and appreciate the small miracles happening in my life daily
- my energy improved
- that I need to set aside regular times during my week to disengage, even if it’s only for a couple of hours at a time
I am so grateful for the challenge of this exercise! Thank you.
Have a great week.