Purity

Focusing on the pure essence of the present moment can make all the difference. But focusing isn’t always fun.

The pure essence of the present moment is always there, always clear as day, both in the external world and within yourself.

When your perception of a moment or a situation is clear, it is likely that your course of action, the thing that you need to do next, will also be clear.

Whether or not you can see and recognise this pure essence is a different matter. Things have a habit of blocking the path between perception and purity. Our thoughts, our feelings, our circumstances, can prevent us seeing what is true, essential and pure.

As life rolls on, things accumulate, sometimes creating distance and distortion between you and the world. Distractions from the path. Things that reduce or remove your ability to focus.

Focus isn’t fun

Focusing can make all the difference. But focusing isn’t always fun.

Brand marketer and YouTuber Finn McKenty put out a brilliantly insightful post on LinkedIn last year. It is not always wise, McKenty argues, for companies to chase after new ideas and risk losing sight of what got them where they are:

“In my experience, the number one killer of companies is a lack of focus: pursuing shiny new things instead of the core business. […] Yeah, I get that focus isn’t fun for entrepreneurs. You like chasing shiny objects and changing direction on a whim. But if you want to win, say no to anything that takes your team’s eye off the ball.”

What is true for companies is true for the rest of us. Focus doesn’t come easy to everyone. But focus can make all the difference. There are times in life when it is wisest to say no to anything that takes your eye off the ball.

The precise words

Words have a purity and precision all their own.

One way to get to the purity of a moment, a feeling or a thought is to focus on how to put it into words.

Look life in the eye.  Focus on what is in front of your eyes in this moment. How does the situation in which you find yourself make you feel? I wonder if you can put into words what you see and what you feel. Can you describe it? What is the clearest and most direct way to express it?

Focus on the words you use. Find the exact words to express what you need to say. Use just those words and no others.

Making yourself focus on finding the precise words, the right words, for the right moment can teach you so much.

May you be nothing but kind today, to others and to yourself.

May today be nothing but kind to you and yours.

IMAGES

• Flame study via Wikimedia Commons.
• White Plum Blossoms via Wikimedia Commons.
• Gloriosa superba 1DS-II 3-1844 via Wikimedia Commons.