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.
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