Have you ever had your partner speaking to you and you did not hear a word because you were thinking about something, worrying about a task, or considering the work for the next day? I can't believe you if you say you haven't been there! I've been there too often. I have literally ‘read the book, seen the movie and bought the T-shirt’ on this one! We get sidetracked by something when we are supposedly doing something else.
Years ago a friend introduced me to this simple and very powerful concept and it has made such a difference. "Be IN the room" means exactly this. When you are with someone give them your focus. This is the most important thing you have for someone else at the time.
If you are working on something make it the only thing you are doing for that time.
If you are teaching your kid to ride a bicycle, then you are teaching your kid to ride a bicycle. You are not answering your mobile or composing an email in your head.
If I am writing this page for you, then I am writing this page for you.
I am not thinking about making a drink, going through my post, seeing my children, watching a film, walking into the village or paying a credit card bill. I am writing this page. Just writing this page. Nothing else.
In another moment I can choose to sit by the pool when it is warm, walk along the beach for an hour, drive the children to school or to a sports club, or make a drink and sit by the fire on a cool afternoon.
Distraction can take us away from the moment we are in. It will prevent you from being present at some of the most magical, wonderful and touching moments of life, unless you recognize it and refuse to give it power.
Get yourself present in this moment and this place where you are. By letting your mind wander to other places, other things and commitments you will lose the benefit that comes from appreciating your current circumstances and situations. If losing the focus on where you are now takes away from your current experience, then get back in the game immediately. Be IN the room. It will make one huge difference that you will notice straight away.
You will also be aware that people notice your focus and appreciate it. Be here now.