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Mental energy is at its best when we can focus our attention on one priority, allowing the rest of our lives and thoughts to wait their turn. Of the four dimensions of energy, I find mental focus the biggest challenge. Thoughts proliferate and disperse, illustrating the principle of entropy in an expanding universe of mental particles.
The energy of focus is needed to read. It is needed to write. It is needed to be fully present in a conversation. It is needed to enjoy a sunset, a flower, or a child at play. Focus calls both for attaching and letting go...attaching to a single object and letting go of everything else.
In Coming to Our Senses, Jon Kabat-Zinn writes a chapter entitled, "A.D.D. Nation" He reflects on our cultural enchantment with multi-tasking and the ever-more abundant technology that promotes our doing many things at once. He points in particular to our multiple means for staying connected with others: cell phone, pager, text messaging, instant messaging, e-mail, social networking, and so on. Being connected is a good thing. We are a social species and our well-being is enhanced by a network of interpersonal knowing and caring.
On the other hand, we are also a species that reflects. Homo sapiens sapiens-the species that knows that it knows. Reflection is a solitary activity. It involves delving into the soul and developing the center around which to develop a principled life. Sometimes we are so well connected that we are in touch with everyone, every minute of the day-except ourselves.
Mental energy enables us to focus on one priority, to reflect, and to be present. Mental energy is enhanced by practice: we build capacity for focus by training ourselves to attend to one thing at a time. Mental energy is also enhanced by physical exercise. The brain represents 2% of body weight but uses 25% of available oxygen. People often report that their best ideas emerge when they are running or biking or climbing a mountain.
Practice makes perfect. Mind and body are partners. Connect and reflect. Food for thought. Are you challenged by an errant and exhausted mind? What works for you?
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