A guy was explaining his view of the impact of social media and mobile electronics the other day on a podcast show. He lamented the demise of focus caused by too many sources of stimulation.
Someone once said that Herman Hesse was the first modern writer because his protagonist in the novel Steppenwolf always turned on the radio when he was in his apartment. He needed the noise and stimulation. This, by the way, was in Germany between the wars.
Is it a new phenomenon that people have trouble focusing on a task? Or is it just that we have so many more ways to be distracted? Remember the story of Martha and Mary when Jesus was visiting? Martha complained that Mary wasn’t helping prepare food for the guests. Jesus said, “Martha, you are distracted by many things.”
There is a way. The practice of contemplation is older than recorded history. Contemplatives have figured it out. It’s a good practice–a good thing for a daily discipline or habit. You sit. Focus on breathing. Relax. Focus on your breath some more. If thoughts enter your mind, don’t force them out. Just let them drift away as you return your attention to your breath.
There are different traditions and practices beyond this simple stopping and focusing. You can repeat a word to focus your energy. Could be Om from the Hindu tradition. God, Spirit, Love or Jesus from the Christian tradition. Could be just a “primordial sound” such as ahhh or ohhh. Doesn’t matter. The whole idea is just to achieve calmness and focus.
At that point you can think with your imagination. Picture yourself in one of the stories of Jesus. Perhaps you are along on that walk to Emmaus after the resurrection.
It is possible to be focused. But it is something you have to consciously choose.
Faith Venture 
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