We normally say that life happens «physically out there», but about to be «mentally out there»? By shifting our attention and «spend some time mentally out there», paradoxically, we reconnect with our true and authentic self.
People spend most of the time in their «mental house», their minds going around in circle amongst thoughts, worries, pressure, preoccupation and in between all sorts of emotions. Once, the circle is ended, the mind begins another loop, and another and another. This is one of the reasons most of our conversations are about us: our problems, worries, interests, hobbies, likes, dislikes, etc.
It is believed that most of our thoughts during the day are negative or are not even useful, going from problems to worries, preoccupation, addictions, or just thoughts that do not serve us. If not purposely focused, our mind tend to go the depressed past or, otherwise, to the anxious and frightening future, full of uncertainties and ever-changing.
Hence, braking such habits of «negative thoughts» is particularly important. It is key to become conscious of them, stop the endless cycle and replace them by the ones that we do want in our life. So, just by shifting our «automatic round of thoughts» to the external produces positive changes in our brains, «going from a distracted inner mind to a consciously focusing external attention».
FROM OUR MENTAL HOUSE TO THE EXTERNAL
What if we practice, now and then, reversing this tendency and «spend some time out there»: that is, just paying attention to the external world, the sounds, noise, cars, traffic, birds, background noise. This is focusing attention on the external surroundings. In addition, when interacting with people, reverse the attention and focus the conversation on them, what is going on in their life, their feelings, interests, hobbies, anything they want to express about themselves.
By consciously practicing bringing our attention to the external, we are the ones in charge of creating «our own stories and visualising things that we like instead». When we really «sense» the external, experimenting, discovering, feeling, living, we open ourselves to new realities. It is as if our mind takes a new role «from a passive to an active mind, taking initiative, consciously directing our attention».
The key is to «spend time outside of our mental house». This is when imagination and creativity come into place, our purposes begin to make sense and without even realising, we are reconnecting again with our true self. Authentic life happens outside of ourselves and it is there where we should spend some time in a daily basis. Observing, feeling, embracing every stimuli open our heart and mind to learn, expand, grow, feel and discover other things beyond what we already know. We have the power to intervine in our mind, so we can intervine in our life.
In conclusion, «getting distant» from your inner thoughts affects in a positive way your internal wellbeing. Of course, it is not that easy to «leave» our mental dynamic, however, like in any other walk of life, with practice, patience and time, it can be achieved. The process of «paying attention to the external world» is powerful, stimulating and rewarding. Focusing attention on the «outside» provide oxygen, refresh and relieve tensions and worries and provide a great sense of peace and calmness.
In what ways concentrating on the outside improves our internal wellbeing?
How does focusing on external factors enhance personal growth and interpersonal relationships?
Does this practice also improve my discipline?
May you «mentally spend some time out there» and experience the benefits.
Youtomic.
