I am a multi-tasker.
I like to think this makes me super productive; but studies have shown that the opposite might infact be closer to the truth.
"People who multitask are actually less productive than people who focus on one thing at a time"
Hmph!
I am terrible at doing one thing at a time..
Likely Scenario #1
Watching TV and playing on Pinterest on my laptop and texting someone or scrolling through Instagram on my iPhone;
Or
Likely Scenario #2
Preparing lunch, cooking dinner and baking a tray of cookies with the stereo blasting (which implies kitchen dancing) and checking Facebook on my iPhone.
So when my yoga instructor was explaining the concept of an 'Elephant Mind' to me in class this week, it resonated with me particularly because I am terrible at turning off the brain chatter because I am never concentrating on one thing only.
I even listen to music when going to sleep.
My house is very rarely silent.
My brain doesn't understand the concept of noiselessness.
Anyway, back to the Elephant Mind -
Explained to me as a herd of elephant stampeding through the mind.
Hardly a vision of serenity or meditation.
As Yogis we are supposed to quiet the brain chatter, calm the elephant mind, and simply be.
We are encouraged to be alert throughout the day, rather than moving through tasks and processes on auto-pilot.
"When was the last time you went for a walk and enjoyed your surroundings?" the instructor asked.
Ummm... probably never. My morning walks are full of constant mental reminders for the day ahead and plans for the weekend, thoughts of breakfast, or lunch, and probably dinner.. recapping conversations with friends, thinking about the latest family drama and wondering what's going to come next.
Chatter chatter chatter..
Sure, if there's a pretty view or a gorgeous sunset I'll probably notice it.
And I'll have whipped out my phone and snapped a photo before you can say 'Instagram'!!
It's hardly mindful.
This is a foreign concept to me. Something I need to work on. And that I can see will be a constant battle.
Wish me luck.
xx
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this too. It can be so hard to get our brain to just hush.