How do you start and how do you focus when there are so many components to everything?

So many steps!

And each step a project in itself.

So many pieces that all have to work together!

And each one gets more complex the more you zoom into it.

Like a fractal. It doesn’t simplify when you get closer.

The gorgeous patterns go as deep as you can go. But that’s actually where the juice is …

Complex interaction of parts is the force of life itself.

Life, they say, started with the first cell.

A part. A part with a boundary. A part that interacts with other parts. Life builds something more complex than the sum of the parts because each part takes care of itself.

You and your part. Your “one wild and precious life” as Mary Oliver said.

Always start with belonging

We can easily feel apart from each other.

But it is being a part of something that makes us so successful.

Remember that you belong.

Your one wild and precious life is part of the whole.

But in order to start, also give yourself permission to let go.

Let go of the whole.

Just for a moment.

For a moment so you can focus.

You can zoom back out at any time.

Allow just one part to grab your attention for now.

Your part.

Focus where you are, on the closest part.

And give it the loving focus of your complete and complex attention.

Know that you belong while you are doing your part.

Get prepared by clearing the space

In preparation, try this Clearing practice to give yourself the space to start, (inspired by David Allen’s approach to Getting Things Done).  

Get out something to write with and set a timer for 3 minutes.

Write down everything that you can think of that is currently on your plate, in no order, and with no category boundaries.

Write or type as freely as you can and keep going until you feel you’ve got everything out, or the time finishes …

Aim to catch every possible ‘to do’, every commitment, large or small, that you have made to other people or to yourself.

Try to get out everything from every area in your life that is on your mind … any action, any ‘don’t forget’ that is current, or that is still on your mind from the past …

For example … clean out my desk drawer, book a dentist appointment, don’t forget my partner’s birthday, check emails, finish that project, walk the dog, respond to Jane, plan for retirement, write my book, pick up the laundry, catch the early train tomorrow, exercise more, relax more, organize tax receipts, sign that petition etc etc

Once you feel finished – place your list at a distance.

Offer yourself warm loving gratitude for your extraordinarily talented brain and its ability to hold many things.

Honor your being and its capacity to make commitments, to feel connected, to make promises.

Notice how these commitments can be a source of stress and pressure. Appreciate the mental and emotional work that it takes to hold them.

Allow yourself to close your eyes and breathe gently until you feel your body is calm.

Invite yourself to look back at your list with respect, generosity and curiosity.

Take note of any reflections or thoughts.

You’ve got this.

And the world needs you.

Hellene