the Flow of Focus

~focus can be a vibrant investment of presence and discovery 
that refreshes your overall being~

​The arrow clicks into the nocking point and a stillness settles through me. I raise the bow and lure focus up through my feet, through the balance in my pelvis, and the ease in my breath.

Defined as “point of convergence”, focus involves consolidating various differing elements. From desire and inspiration, to confidence, previous skill knowledge, and anticipated outcome, focus is a true sum of dancing parts. However trying to focus can stir a stress response in our bodies, particularly if we are establishing new skills, habits, or working on something unpleasant. Restlessness, foggy head, anxiety and low confidence can all be symptomatic of Qi not easefully flowing in the meridian pathways.

To ease focus and open the flow of any meridian blockages, cultivate supportive conditions for the nervous system- ensure that the senses are soothed rather than distracted by external stimulus, and that your brain and body are fully available, energized, and adequately nourished for thought activity.

Nutrients, (including oxygen and water), sufficient rest, and healthy social interactions create suppleness in the nervous system. Anchor-in to your clear objective to be more responsive to your goal, and respect your individual functional daily rhythm.
​
When approached with the enthusiasm of intention, focus can be a vibrant investment of presence and discovery that refreshes your overall being, quenches your need to learn new material, and to enjoy feelings of fulfillment. Embody the harmony that you wish to experience by taking action with your Qi flow.

The following exercises and acu-points will help to regulate the nervous system and promote a clear and consolidated state of being.
Steps to consider:

1. Check-in with your system, your schedule and your surroundings.
2. Bring your objective to mind, to heart, and through your whole body.
3. Bring your values to attention, and other elements of your objective (the people, or the process or outcome that is enabled because of your valuable collaborative part).
4. Check-in with your basic needs: rest, hydration, food, warmth, aerobic activity, connection to the world.
5. Meet basic needs.

Qi:
Move it: Shake or jiggle out the body; pat the arms and legs to stimulate the qi flow in meridians, gently tap around the eyes, ears, and head to balance flow.
Tap into it: Acu-points to tap, hold or massage: Du 20, GB 14 and 20.
Open it: Clasp hands and turn palms away from you, stretching them skyward will open any sluggish breath, and meridian paths, and will likewise bring balance of the yin and yang flows of energy.
Refresh it: Smooth hands through the hair, and across the forehead; make faces to relax the tensions that occur around our mouths and eyes when you are concentrating.

Food: Food choices matter, not only for essential brain nutrition, but also because some foods may create brain-blurring gut flora or slight-allergenic responses which stress the nervous system. Eat clean and light food that fuels cognitive behavior- neuro lipids, magnesium, and other nutrients. (This article gives further insight: https://draxe.com/15-brain-foods-to-boost-focus-and-memory/)

© Jen Jorgensen