Oh my gosh, yes, you are definitely hitting me with this one, Sandra. Thanks for the tips and reminder of how important it is to be aware of what happens to my body and mind when I become hyper-focused. One thing I noticed is when I walk away, usually from the writing, I'm not really in my body, and I become clumsy.
Paulette, this one seems to be hitting the nail on the head for many of us. I suppose that' because many of us are writers, and it's so easy to become absorbed in that process. I'm glad you found it helpful. I appreciate how observant you are to notice how you're not fully in your body when you walk away from your writing. I wish you the best with this, as I also focus on it for the next three months.
Something about the way you name that moment when focus becomes a kind of self hypnosis. I know that place. I used to call it my tunnel. The place where I forget the rest of me exists. Sometimes it feels like devotion... a wild devotion to task. Other times it feels like I’ve disappeared.
Your note about the dizziness hit me harder than I expected. Bodies keep their own scorecards, and mine definitely files complaints when I forget to move. Reading your reflection reminded me that I can love the work and still stay in contact with my body. It sounds simple, but it never feels simple in practice. Thank you for naming it so honestly.
Alex, how lovely your shoulders dropped! That's the first thing that happens when I sit quietly in meditation, and it seems key to relaxing, at least for me. "Tunnel" is such a perfect description for over-focus. I can relate to how you sometimes love it and sometimes feel like you've lost yourself. It can be simple to stay in touch with our bodies, but, as you say, for most of us, it's not simple in practice. Years of conditioning and or trauma can easily pull us in the wrong direction. That's why I want to make this a priority for the rest of the year. Thanks, Alex. I always appreciate your insights.
Based on a previous article you wrote, I have been holding my phone higher so I don't have to bend my neck as much.
Two things really helped my neck pain. First, a chiropractic water pillow nearly put an end to my frequent waking from pain. Second, my insurance offered a free home physical therapy program and sent me a tablet to run it. Here is a link: https://swordhealth.com/solutions/thrive
Sandra, it’s so relatable how easily focus can slip into overfocus without us noticing. Your honesty about finding balance, especially while dealing with pain, feels grounding. I’m glad you’re giving yourself permission to slow down when you need it.
Staying in balance can be so difficult at times. It’s illuminating to know that even things we enjoy can shift that balance to a point where it needs to be addressed. Thank you for sharing this, Sandra!
Sandra - Thank you for starting this discussion. Such a poignant important one in our culture of do more with less time. I'm reminded of times when I try to step away from the work of writing, finding an agent, another newsletter, another note....stay connected all the time....and it spills over into my ability to relax and just sleep well or enjoy myself with those around me that I truly love and care about.
I have to work at it daily. I took my first epsom salt bath with lavender in it last week. It was amazing! So another one this weekend! I should, I do not like that word.....I want to up my meditation game this weekend as well. I want to enjoy myself and remember what it feels like to laugh and feel comfortable in my own skin without too much stress.
I hope you are finding ways that your body hurts less over time. I'm off to work to see my patients. I am glad it is Friday. I am going for a hike later today on my lunch break! In other words, I'm trying!
Bronce, Thanks for sharing so honestly. Overdrive can be so tempting when we are trying to build something new. I’m glad you’re finding ways to take care of yourself. Like you, I also have to work at stepping away daily, and some days are easier than others. Fortunately, I do meditate daily and spend some time on my exercise bike, so I have some buffers in place. Wishing you the best with this!
Oh Sandra, I'm so sorry to hear about your chronic pain. I have pain in my calf, but only when I walk, and I'm starting to be able to manage that. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have it constantly. My body feels better in general when I move more, though, so I try to remember to get up often. I find the trick of getting up to do tasks such as putting in a load of laundry is helpful.
Charlotte, Thanks for your compassion. Movement helps me too, as long as it's not too much. This has been a challenging year, but I'm finding ways to work with whatever arises. Getting my first journal out has brought me immense joy.
Yes, it's important to not do too much, and its easy to overdo it. And I'm so happy that getting your journal out is such a joy for you. It's a joy for those who have it as well!
Oh my gosh, yes, you are definitely hitting me with this one, Sandra. Thanks for the tips and reminder of how important it is to be aware of what happens to my body and mind when I become hyper-focused. One thing I noticed is when I walk away, usually from the writing, I'm not really in my body, and I become clumsy.
Paulette, this one seems to be hitting the nail on the head for many of us. I suppose that' because many of us are writers, and it's so easy to become absorbed in that process. I'm glad you found it helpful. I appreciate how observant you are to notice how you're not fully in your body when you walk away from your writing. I wish you the best with this, as I also focus on it for the next three months.
I felt my shoulders drop as I read this. 🩵
Something about the way you name that moment when focus becomes a kind of self hypnosis. I know that place. I used to call it my tunnel. The place where I forget the rest of me exists. Sometimes it feels like devotion... a wild devotion to task. Other times it feels like I’ve disappeared.
Your note about the dizziness hit me harder than I expected. Bodies keep their own scorecards, and mine definitely files complaints when I forget to move. Reading your reflection reminded me that I can love the work and still stay in contact with my body. It sounds simple, but it never feels simple in practice. Thank you for naming it so honestly.
Alex, how lovely your shoulders dropped! That's the first thing that happens when I sit quietly in meditation, and it seems key to relaxing, at least for me. "Tunnel" is such a perfect description for over-focus. I can relate to how you sometimes love it and sometimes feel like you've lost yourself. It can be simple to stay in touch with our bodies, but, as you say, for most of us, it's not simple in practice. Years of conditioning and or trauma can easily pull us in the wrong direction. That's why I want to make this a priority for the rest of the year. Thanks, Alex. I always appreciate your insights.
Based on a previous article you wrote, I have been holding my phone higher so I don't have to bend my neck as much.
Two things really helped my neck pain. First, a chiropractic water pillow nearly put an end to my frequent waking from pain. Second, my insurance offered a free home physical therapy program and sent me a tablet to run it. Here is a link: https://swordhealth.com/solutions/thrive
Sandra, it’s so relatable how easily focus can slip into overfocus without us noticing. Your honesty about finding balance, especially while dealing with pain, feels grounding. I’m glad you’re giving yourself permission to slow down when you need it.
I slept until 9am today. It was the best. Had all kinds of cool, interesting dreams.
Love that! Yay, Judy!
Staying in balance can be so difficult at times. It’s illuminating to know that even things we enjoy can shift that balance to a point where it needs to be addressed. Thank you for sharing this, Sandra!
Cathy, Thanks for your understanding. It’s especially difficult for me because my tolerance for stress is low!
Stress is a killer - literally and figuratively. I am so happy you are taking good care of yourself! 💕
Sandra - Thank you for starting this discussion. Such a poignant important one in our culture of do more with less time. I'm reminded of times when I try to step away from the work of writing, finding an agent, another newsletter, another note....stay connected all the time....and it spills over into my ability to relax and just sleep well or enjoy myself with those around me that I truly love and care about.
I have to work at it daily. I took my first epsom salt bath with lavender in it last week. It was amazing! So another one this weekend! I should, I do not like that word.....I want to up my meditation game this weekend as well. I want to enjoy myself and remember what it feels like to laugh and feel comfortable in my own skin without too much stress.
I hope you are finding ways that your body hurts less over time. I'm off to work to see my patients. I am glad it is Friday. I am going for a hike later today on my lunch break! In other words, I'm trying!
Bronce, Thanks for sharing so honestly. Overdrive can be so tempting when we are trying to build something new. I’m glad you’re finding ways to take care of yourself. Like you, I also have to work at stepping away daily, and some days are easier than others. Fortunately, I do meditate daily and spend some time on my exercise bike, so I have some buffers in place. Wishing you the best with this!
Oh Sandra, I'm so sorry to hear about your chronic pain. I have pain in my calf, but only when I walk, and I'm starting to be able to manage that. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have it constantly. My body feels better in general when I move more, though, so I try to remember to get up often. I find the trick of getting up to do tasks such as putting in a load of laundry is helpful.
Charlotte, Thanks for your compassion. Movement helps me too, as long as it's not too much. This has been a challenging year, but I'm finding ways to work with whatever arises. Getting my first journal out has brought me immense joy.
Yes, it's important to not do too much, and its easy to overdo it. And I'm so happy that getting your journal out is such a joy for you. It's a joy for those who have it as well!