Focusing Attention in the Present Moment

Does it ever feel difficult to focus? Like so much information is coming at you that you’re constantly jumping from one thing to another.

And even when you do have a period to focus, it can take a long time to let go of the stimulus overload. This can be especially true at night, when the time comes to relax into sleep.

The MBSR practice of Focused Attention helps develop the skill of anchoring attention to the present moment.

It can bring an experience of peace and a release of stress, just by focusing on what is present right now and getting curious about it. For a defined period, you can let go of the need to do anything and allow your experience to be just as it is.

By focusing attention on an anchor, the practice supports a feeling of focus, stability and clarity. It can help move us through turbulent times without losing our connection to ourselves and to what is most important.

In the first Friday Stress Buster Session, we experienced five different anchors of attention during our Focused Attention practice. By experiencing each anchor, we could experiment and sense which one felt more natural and easeful for ourselves. And then we sat with our individual choice for several minutes.

Access the Focused Attention Reply here

The focused attention practice can be done anywhere, for however short or long a period you have. Even a brief 2-5 minutes before going into a meeting, starting a new project or interacting with a loved one will help center you.

Simply take a few minutes to connect with your mindful anchor and practice bringing your attention back to it when the mind wanders. And then proceed from that clearer space.

Wishing you a week of clarity and focus.

Let your wisdom lead,

Robin Patino

P.S.

Find out more about attending live or receiving the replays by email after each of the Friday Stress Buster Series.