I recently moved and started a new job. This was a self-induced upheaval. As one might expect, it’s been somewhat stressful, and I have found myself fretting over the restoration of order and predictability.
My previously tidy routines have been thrown into disarray like a partially unpacked box in the basement. While I look forward to rebuilding consistency and discipline, it’s been refreshing to churn the waters. One insight in particular has become clear.
Happiness emerges from fierce concentration on the task at hand.
Why? Because:
If you grasp onto the many threads that pull you in different directions, you will produce a state akin to that of the rack (medieval stretching machine used for torture).
If you focus on one thing at a time—making coffee, a work project, even checking email—as if you were receiving a massage at the spa, you will feel relief.
If you perseverate on the mold in the garage while you are getting a massage, you will not enjoy the massage.
For me, it takes fierce concentration to line up medieval torture, a spa day, and garage mold in three consecutive, coherent sentences. I haven’t composed any great art here, but I had fun, and I sharpened my blade of mindfulness. That’s a noble practice on its own, one that we can hone day after day. Sharpening the blade.
How does one sharpen the blade? It could be meditation. Exercise. Deliberate, uninterrupted reps. Or, perhaps, you just do the damn thing, as they say.
With that sharp blade, I suggest you increase your bandwidth for concentration by cutting out unnecessary tasks from your cognitive queue. For example, if you are getting pulled into the world of online shopping, consider cutting out that option for a while. You might be amazed at the impact this kind of simplification can have on your daily stress.
That’s enough advice. May you be happy. Happy fall. And tally-ho.