Monday, January 28, 2013

Change Your Focus



Distraction is my mother's favorite Truth Tool to use. (Did I tell you she fell last week and broke her sternum and had to have five stitches in her hand. She had barely gotten back to normal from when she fell last year and broke eleven ribs and her clavicle!) She is a trooper! She is 86 years old and is spry and feisty. She is amazing. I just hope to be as courageous and valiant as she is when I get her age--if I do.

While distraction can be a great Truth Tool there are two cautions. Distraction can be a problem at times like when you are driving a car. The other problem is that when using it we need to be sure we aren't avoiding a problem. The way to tell is that distraction is momentary--a way to clear your mind so you can deal with whatever is vexing you. Avoidance is seeking after pleasure in order to avoid the problem completely.

When using distraction to combat vexation you pay close attention to vexation and as soon as you feel it instead of dwelling on it and making things worse, you change your focus from the thing that is distressing you to something else. You do something that takes your mind off the vexation,but as soon as you've relaxed you go back to the problem and solve it. Go read a book, take a walk, call a friend, write a letter, do whatever you LIKE that will keep your mind off what is vexing you.

It is surprising that often even fifteen or thirty minutes of distraction can give you a new perspective, and make you feel better.

5 comments:

Jenny said...

I often read your blog when I'm feeling vexed. It is a wonderful distraction that helps me put things into perspective! Thank you!

Wendi said...

Distraction is one of my most used Truth Tools as well. Plus it helps me get productive things done in the process. :)

Wendi said...

I noticed that you haven't posted in awhile. I hope you're doing okay. :)

Camille said...

I too hope you are doing well. I miss your posts!

Wendi said...

I'm starting to worry about you. I hope you're doing well and that you had a nice birthday. :)