I was trying to think of what photo I could use to go along with this post about Focus, and I decided that these things I grabbed from my bedside table might work. Here's what I've been focusing on in July:
- Reading - poetry and that wonderful Hal Borland book, Twelve Moons of the Year. This is a book that Vera recommended and I'm so glad she did. It's a collection of Borland's nature editorials from the NYT, one for every day of the year. I've been reading one each day, and just that simple act focuses and grounds me. I've also got two great books on my Kindle, The Pull of the Stars and Here in the Real World that I'm finding real pleasure and focus in reading.
- My Health - I've had some issues but have also been focused on doing what I can to improve them. I used to think that pill containers were only for "old people" but call me old because my pill minder and alarms on my phone are keeping me on track.
- My Switch Lite - I have to include that because it's so easy (and fun) to focus on Animal Crossing. It gives me a way to connect with Ryan as we can visit each other's islands, fish together, and be happy for each other when we catch coelacanths and mahi-mahi.
- I don't have a good way to include meditation in the photo, but that is really what has been keeping me focused throughout this month. A friend gave me the Ten Percent Happier app as a birthday gift, and it has been one of the best gifts I've received. I have meditated every day, and it's beginning to have some positive effects on my life, with increased focus, more patience, better sleep, and fewer morbid thoughts and days when I just don't care. They are currently running a Summer Sanity Challenge and you can try the app for free if you are interested. We each have to find what works best for us, but this is working for me and I intend to keep focusing my energies on meditation (and in turn, meditation is helping my focus)!
Please visit Honoré to read what she and others have shared about their words.
Oh, Bonny! This is such Good Stuff! I'm so glad you're finding helpful ways to focus in these very weird times. (Erin gave me a Switch Lite earlier this summer - with Animal Crossings, of course! We also enjoy visits and island-exploring together.) (Plus . . . she's a lot better at it than I am, and she sends me gifts!!!) XO
ReplyDeleteIsn't "Twelve Moons" great? I love reading the day's piece at bedtime. Hal Borland's writing reminds me of E. B. White. LOL about the pill container - I've been thinking of getting one (and figuring I must be old - haha). I was starting to meditate and then got away from it...I may look into the Summer Sanity Challenge to see how I like that. In the past I've used Insight Timer. Glad you are finding ways to calm and focus yourself!
ReplyDeleteI hope it will make you feel less like an "old lady" when I tell you that I have one of those pill organizers and use it when I travel for more than a couple of days! It makes me happy to hear that you've got a slew of practices that are helping to keep you health, sane, and focused every day.
ReplyDeleteI’m doing that challenge, too! I’ll friend you there!
ReplyDeleteAC is the best! :)
ReplyDeleteYou found some awesome things to focus on this month! Good for you! :)
Dan Harris is one of my favorite humans. It looks to me like you're doing an excellent job of working your word...and it's a hard one!
ReplyDeleteThese are great things you are focusing on! I didn't play AC at all last week while in Maine and I didn't really miss it which surprised me. I guess sitting by the ocean is more conducive to knitting and reading than playing AC. I'm back at it now, though!
ReplyDeleteYou have your act together!
ReplyDeleteI should meditate more regularly. Although, some of the crafts are pretty meditative. Still. I should meditate more!
It can't hurt! I have meditated off and on for a long time, but since June when I made a commitment to do it on a regular basis, I can see some real benefits.
DeleteYou are finding some great ways to focus. When I started using the pill containers, my kids laughed at me. I laughed right back and told them I was doing it for them. My Dad would never use one and it was a challenge to keep him on his meds at the end of his life. I am glad to know about the Hal Borland book it sounds like something I'd enjoy. I have The Pull of the Stars on my Overdrive hold list but it will be awhile before it comes in. What a fun way to connect with your son via a Switch-Lite. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteI use a pill container and it is a godsend! It just mades the medicine cabinet so tidy for me :) My BP med was changed for the better and I am a NEW woman. I feel so much better!!
ReplyDeletePill containers are for smart people, not old people! We nurses love them. It sounds to me as though you have a good handle on everything, Bonny. Things are not perfect, but you are dealing with them in a constructive fashion and that is often very difficult. So, kudos to you! I may try the app since I am not being consistent with meditation. Thanks for the recommendation! I hope your health problems are transitory and minor.
ReplyDeleteI need to stay away from the Switch. I would never do anything, I know myself (I've been addicted to games before). I also have a pill container because I asked myself too often "did I or didn't I?". I am going to check out Ten Percent. I think it would be good for me!
ReplyDeleteThose are four great FOCUS opportunities! I am getting back into Centering Prayer (sort of like meditation) this month and it's been lovely. I can really feel my days being different when I make time for that 20 minutes each morning (and then I wonder why is it so hard to make it a MUST DO habit?)
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