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How to Focus Your Thoughts
Using Light as a Metaphor
Our minds are frequently working to figure things out, and our thoughts can feel like they are flooding us. Sometimes when we really want to focus on one particular thought, our minds helpfully try to offer lots of other thoughts as well. Trying to block them out or make them go away can make it worse. In these situations, I like to work with a metaphor of a spotlight or flashlight. It’s a strategy I like to use in mindfulness meditation because it’s a skill we can develop to expand or narrow our focus intentionally.
Below is a transcript of a meditation I led on this topic, and at the end of the article, you’ll find a link to the meditation video.
Meditation Transcript
As we get started, I always like to encourage you to move in whatever way would be comfortable as you work your way into a meditative posture that suits you. Becoming present to this space that we occupy.
Sometimes closing our eyes can make that easier to do. We sort of shut out that visual stimulation, which allows us to use our other senses, but it’s okay to have your eyes open too. We can be mindful with our eyes open or closed.
Settling into a posture that allows you to be both alert and relaxed without being overly rigid and using our physical senses to become…