What do we do when our attention gets “hooked” by something — an interesting article crosses our news feed, we remember the chocolate sitting in the drawer, a friend calls? It’s not just how we respond (or react), but whether we even notice in the first place.
In this video, Eileen Fisher and Geneen Roth talk about the freedom that results from noticing where our attention is at any given moment — and the powerful influence that paying attention can have in our lives.
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Want to see more of Eileen and Geneen? Watch the full conversation between these two role models for living an unscripted life.
Yes, when a notion to shop for something “screams” out to me (my loud voice, not the quiet inner voice that I try to cultivate), I have begun to ask myself. “What’s really bothering me? What’s triggering this need to shop for things I probably don’t even want or need?’
And then I take a breath and go back to the work/task/mission that is really what I want to be doing.
Definitely, I have a special grounding payer/ mantra that I do every day and throughout the day, just in case I forget to be mindful of my self talk or the hooks … in short, it’s like appointing a personal bodyguard to watch me. 🙂
It seems at this point in my life (age 65, recently retired) that for many years I had little choice in where to focus my attention. My thoughts, feelings, and efforts revolved around the responsibilities of raising three daughters, running a business, helping my aging mother care for herself, and helping care for my grandchildren. Now, with the sale of the business, I have so many more choices. It is actually quite daunting to be able to decide how to direct my energies.
I’m very appreciative of these thoughts about noticing how we attend.
Interestingly, those are the moments when I feel most productive and creative — when I notice what I am doing and get hooked.
Thank you for this! Really wonderful reminder that we have choices.
Mindful awareness is so important and we lose ourselves over and over many times. But there is always the opportunity to catch ourselves again…
I don’t always notice when my attention gets hooked. However, I do find that often I have a driving force to take a project to completion in the most efficient manner. I get so “hooked” that I often ignore my own immediate physical needs. I realize that this tendency causes an enormous amount of tension I my mind and body. Over the long term, this could result in chronic pain and distress. In addition, this tendency stifles my creativity and the finished product, I find, will lack depth and nuance. Eileen’s example of taking care of her own immediate needs, when it is most important, is an inspiring example of catching oneself in a moment of potential hook-ness and making a conscious choice to behave in a healthier manner.
Hi Eileen and Geneen – I’ve just started listening to your Lifework videos, and would already love to be sitting with you both, chatting like we’ve known each other forever, drinking our cups of my new favorite green tea with coconut and ginger.
I am about to turn 69 (yikes!), am an artist, a writer, a wife, a mother, and a grand-mother. Twenty-one years ago I was diagnosed with MS, and have been trying passionately ever since to not let let this insidious disease define me. (my Eileen Fisher clothes are a crucial part of my self image!) I love the honestly, vulnerability, and humor with which you both speak, and I look forward to hearing more. I am so glad I ‘found’ you both, in this venue, and would love to offer you my perspectives on my ‘messy and magnificent life.’