Ever notice that when you have focused on a particular task
you begin to notice all things related to the task elsewhere?
Years ago, in the throes of choosing fabric for curtains
which I proceeded to sew, I wasn’t able to walk past any window without
intently examining the curtains gracing it. I began to worry I was going mad,
for there are MUCH more interesting things to observe on an urban walk.
An old friend with whom I used to take regular walks, became
decidedly less interesting when, in the process of choosing a new color for the
exterior of her home, could comment on nothing else but the colors of all the
homes we passed.
A few months ago, a gold chain I had worn for years suddenly
broke. While looking for a sturdier replacement, I was unable to look at other
people (whether on screen or real life) without noting if they were wearing a
chain (or chains) and what these ornamental ropes were. I used to look at
faces, for goodness’ sake. What was happening?!?
The examples above^ from my life also echo times I am
focused on first drafting, where I notice the writing of others in a different
way, or dealing with a new medical diagnosis (whether pertaining to me or mine)
and focusing on information and anecdotes related to it. But the latter two
seem worthy of temporary focus.
Are curtains or house colors or gold chains also desirable?
Hardly.
Musing on the
nature of focus. I’m focusing on it now.
.jpg)
Whenever someone mentions a particular interest, research theme, etc., suddenly I see images and writings related to that subject. I wind up sending all kinds of links. I don't know why that happens, why we notice those items but didn't before. There must be some part of the brain that hooks into this.
ReplyDeleteHaha, so true. I have a sturdy silver box chain that belongs to Michael's paternal grandmother :) Highly recommend. Today, I need to practice my music as we prepare for a High Mass on Sunday. I will be racing home from choir to do a pitch session! Pray for me!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great point! I remember feeling like everyone was pregnant when I was, but surely, it was because that's what I was focusing on. I love what you said about how this affects your reading while you're focusing on something in your writing. Like when I took a deep dive into learning about character arcs, I noticed how other writers handled it more in movies and books.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's interesting how different things can trigger our attention. It's one of the reason I like to read devotionals in the morning. When people write about their experiences it often helps me to focus on more positive things than on my own challenges I'm struggling with.
ReplyDeleteA familiar phenomenon but I've not ever seen it illustrated in as entertaining way as you did here, Mirka. Your walking friend became "decidedly less interesting"-- ha, oh yes!
ReplyDeleteLooking at possibilities is part of the decision making process.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie