How to Tune In to the Signals Around You
If you're not paying attention, the message won't get through
Last week, my husband and I were listening to a podcast about transformation.
The host and his guest discussed many aspects of how this concept affects our lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually. There was a lot to unpack.
The podcast was longer than usual, running about an hour and a half. At the time, there seemed to be a lot of repetition in the dialogue, with the same questions being asked and answered, but in slightly different ways.
At least, that’s what it sounded like to me. Until I realized my concentration drifted - interrupted by the constant need to check my phone for email and scan a stream of incoming text messages.
I was completely distracted — until a phrase in the podcast broke through, poking my brain with a sense of urgency: “Pay attention!”
Reluctantly, I set the phone to mute and put it aside, then asked my husband to rewind the program so I could listen again — only this time with focus and intent.
We don’t always pick up the signals the first time.
Unfortunately, our minds have become accustomed to allowing interruptions and diversions to disrupt our thoughts, sending a desperate signal to attempt a multi-tasking cartwheel of activity that often leaves us frustrated and confused. Because we’ve learned to automatically tune out much of what our surroundings and environment are offering.
The result? Our attention is divided — and our awareness is compromised.
But when we take the time to become cognizant of what’s going on around us — in the here-and-now — we feel the tap on the shoulder or the heart, and understand there’s a message in all the noise, waiting to be heard.
My advice? Continue to rewind, replay, and let the message finally get through. There may be more going on than you thought.
In health & happiness,
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Jill Reid is the author of Real Life, Discover Your Personal Truth, Life in Small Doses, and Please God, Make Me A Writer. Her books, videos, and newsletter explore life, relationships, self-improvement, health, and personal success strategies for working through the challenges of everyday life.