Mine is longer than yours…or is it?
Now that I have your attention, hopefully I can keep it. The average American’s attention span is down to eight seconds. This is one second less than that of a goldfish (nine seconds). “Attention span is the amount of concentrated time one can spend on a task without becoming distracted. Most educators and psychologists agree that the ability to focus attention on a task is crucial for the achievement of one’s goals.” (Wikipedia)
I believe how we do anything is how we do everything.
If in these quick, small doses we do not stay focused, then how are we to guide ourselves into the larger tasks we would like to accomplish in life. The key is to tune in and stay there. Notice the mind wandering. How long did it take? Where is it going off to? Can you come back to the focus at hand? The more we practice this then the longer our attention span can become. Just like working out the body comes with consistency, follow through and increase in intensity, so it is with our mind.
Try setting an intention of attention, and see what comes of it. Here are a few tricks to help you out.
- Light a candle and stare at the flame. It gives us an action to come back to. The mind wanders then remembers attention is on the flame. Back to it, it goes.
- Use music that can serve as an anchor to keep coming back to listening.
- Pick a yoga pose or simple exercise and put all focus on that, or maybe just the breath, while doing these things.
Be patient. Be consistent. Be attentive. Try not to judge yourself if your results are not up to your liking, this will disrupt your attention. Just notice the disruption, and get back on track. In today’s world we have plenty of distractions that offer instant gratification such as TV, internet, texting, social media, radio, etc…. Notice your relationship with these things and decide whether or not they are helping your attention span or if they are helping to shorten it. If you read this whole thing, then I thank you and congratulate you for keeping attentive.
Be well. Be sound. Cheers.
Author: Geoff Lamden is a naturopath, teacher, foodie and home remedy maker. Geoff helps those he works with create a deeper connection to themselves, their community, and their natural surroundings for lasting health. Geoff practices naturopathy at Continuum Healing and grows food, kombucha and community at home and in his family’s garden. He believes that when a person becomes well, a chain reaction of health is started within and around them. It is his honor to offer the gift of wholeness to those he works with.