On Attention Spans and Sustained Thought Processes

Hi Kiddo,

Quick question, have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are thinking about one thing, and then that thought flows into another, and then into another, and the domino of thoughts collapse upon one another like a tired pack of cards, till you reach a point where you ask, “Wait, how did I get here? What was I thinking about initially?”

You can relate, right? This is a very common occurrence for everyone - including yours sincerely, BUT THERE IS A DANGEROUS SIDE TO THIS. If you don’t take good care of it, it can morph into a debilitating habit that can spiral into disorganisation and a life riddled with distractions. It also has a terrible effect on productivity. You’re constantly struggling with an avalanche of deadlines and your mind is swimming with thoughts that get murkier by the minute.

Don’t panic, stay with me.

We are wont to believe that we think all the time. But when we engage in mental activity where memories crisscross with each other aimlessly, that, kiddo, is “thinking”. It’s a mental atrophy. When your thoughts do not have a purpose and you’re not able to think things through, I want you to picture the flabby underarms of an overweight grandma.

Let me tell you something that can help.

One tested and trusted way to strengthen the fibres of your mind, in a way that gives you the right productive boost you need to make the most of yourself, is MEDITATION.

Yes, meditation. You see, meditation is often regarded as some performative jamboree carried out by spiritual- or in some cases; woke people, but meditation has been established as a very helpful exercise both for the mind and the body.

Just as physical exercises help you to achieve and sustain a healthy body, meditation is the exercise of the mind. It corals your thoughts and tethers you in a way that sharpens your mind.

What’s better? through meditation, your mind can provide the right energy to help your physical body better function. Isn’t that just remarkable?

Kiddo, this is not fugazzi. If you take care of your mind, you will be astounded by the positive shift you’ll experience in your life.

A large chunk of the fatigue that plagues us, is because of a tired mind, weakened by clouded thoughts. This is where meditation comes in.

So here is what we are going to do. Are you ready? Good.

For just 10 minutes, sit down, determine what goal you want to achieve through this meditation process, plug in your ears and plug out the world. Listen to something soft, solemn and deep. Now slowly and intentionally begin to think about what you are thinking about. Are you trying to get clarity about your life, begin to think about that and make sure your thoughts are controlled as you do this. To prevent your mind from wandering, say your thoughts out loud. Repeat whatever you’ve agreed to keep as the subject of your meditation. Repeat it again and again, till your whole mind is filled with this one powerful thought. The goal is to do this daily.

If you don’t know how to start your meditation journey, you can use apps that help with guided meditation.

Remember, results are not an instant affair. Be patient with yourself and with the process. All right kiddo, this is where I leave you today.

Remember, we’re adults choosing to live life through the lens of children. Let the little things excite you this weekend.

With warmth,

Dedoyin