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LIVING LIGHTS ON!
TURN DOWN THE NOISE With all the distractions in our daily life it can be difficult to stay focused and in action toward our dreams. Clarity coach, Laura Shope, provides some thoughts about turning down the noise of our life so we can make sure we always make time for the activities and the people that energetically support and nurture us. Many years ago, now, my husband and I completed a backpacking trip in a remote part of Alaska. We were dropped off by a bush plane on the edge of the Bering Sea, and hiked for 24 days along the coast and into the mountains. During our trek, we did not see another single human being. We encountered lots of wildlife and had many adventures. On our last day, we climbed to the top of a mountain near where the bush plane would arrive to pick us up. We gazed out across the landscape and realized that the most valuable aspect to our trip was a surprise – it was the deep connection that we developed over that month of only being with each other. We realized we had become so ‘one’ that we anticipated each others thoughts and needs. We had learned to be acutely aware of each other and our surroundings – our very lives had depended on it. Through the process, we had become so compatible and at peace with each other, it was as if the rest of the world didn’t even exist. Of course, the rest of the world does exist! On our first night ‘back in civilization’ we were having dinner at a restaurant when we both realized how many distractions there are in our everyday world. Having interacted for so long with only each other and our environment, we felt bombarded by all the noises, information, visual stimuli and options we now found ourselves surrounded by. It took great effort that evening to even look at each other and have a conversation, so compelling were all the new inputs! We realized how valuable the connection we had developed was and made it our new vision to maintain that connection in the midst of our ‘everyday’ world. To do this, we needed to ‘turn down the noise’ of everything around us. We needed to intentionally bring our focus to each other. We needed to notice when we were distracted and make a choice to return to our connection. If we had not had the experience of removing all external input, we would never have realized the extent to which we are constantly bombarded. The world we all accept as ‘usual’ requires serious concentration to navigate with any level of intentionality! The same is true as we navigate toward our vision. We develop an intimate and deep connection with our vision in a seminar, with a coach, or on our own personal retreat. Then, we re-enter our normal lives and can experience the ‘distractions’ of the rest of the world. If we can learn to ‘turn down the noise’ of all the other distractions, we can stay focused on the vision and remain open to the opportunities guiding us on that journey. The first step is awareness – noticing when your attention has been drawn elsewhere. Whether it’s caring for a sick child when you meant to be taking action toward your vision, or simply ‘forgetting’ what you meant to focus on and following the distractions one after another, our attention is drawn, temporarily, elsewhere. Notice when this happens and then redirect your attention to your intention once again. For me, turning down the noise means saying “yes” to only those opportunities which are truly in line with my vision and letting go of those that are not – even if they sound like fun. Turning down the noise means having a ‘vision map’ or some type of visual that, when I look at it, reminds me of what is most important to me right now. Turning down the noise means making sure my day has time in it for the activities and people that energetically support and nurture me the most, so that I can be available for my vision and those in my life. Turning down the noise means keeping my focus on my vision – intentionally and in a heartfelt way. After all, my very life depends on it… Laura Shope Live every day with your lights on! For more information, check out our website, or call us at 877-335-9333 Refer a friend to Lights On Living! Click Here
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