Bubble Time
I spoke to a friend last week and she made a comment about the terrible fires burning in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
“Wow, I didn’t know,” I said.
“Really, it’s all over the news,” she replied.
Late in the evening on November 8th, my husband called from work.
“Are you watching the election results?” he asked.
“Well, I voted, but have not been paying attention to what's going on,” I said.
If I could share how many times I’ve had conversations like these, you might be surprised. I’m not a huge news watcher anymore, however, I do check occasionally or if I hear about things going on.
For so many years when I worked a corporate job and “enjoyed” a commute of 35 to 60 minutes each way, I listened to programs all the time. I remained up-to-date about politics, the financial industry, the latest reports of the day enabling active discussions about current events.
What I have come to realize nowadays is that I spend most of my work time in a Bubble.
There are pros and cons to this, and I certainly am not advocating it for full time residency. Being aware of what's going on in the world around us is valuable, but my intention for this blog is the positive of the Bubble.
Spending time in an environment void of distractions is incredibly useful. It allows for focus on the task at hand and lessens the chance of getting pulled off track to handle something not related to what is trying to be accomplished.
Operating in a non-distracted place takes some effort. The walls of your Bubble may appear very different than mine. For example, music or no music, home or another location, people present or alone, drink or no drink. Once you do it a few times, you will discover what moves you into that protected space.
Two suggestions:
Silence or turn off your phone and do not access your email or other social media. Will situations and people interrupt you? Sometimes, yes. But, don’t let that stop you from seeking solace in the Bubble.
Plan in advance what you hope to accomplish during your time. It could be for many reasons like creative work, a presentation or report, an important decision, or perhaps just time to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Sometimes, I choose how long to stay in my un-distracted place, although if I have the opportunity to let time go, often a groove develops which is amazingly productive.
It’s no secret that we live in a culture where headlines, gossip and information bombard our time and our minds. This is pretty much impossible to escape — unless you create and utilize some Bubble time. Remember, it is healthy, helpful and not selfish to disconnect periodically.
Give yourself the benefit of going on a float trip inside your own Bubble. You will be amazed at how profitable, relaxing and rewarding that time can be even if you might not be the first to hear of a recent news event.
Happy Bubble Time to you!
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Find details about my books at dianedresback.com and my filmmaking at mindclover.com.
