Distraction: disruption, diversion, interference, confusion, upset, divided attention.

Distraction comes from both external and internal sources. External distractions might come from people around us, personal or work demands, the environment or life’s busyness. The internal ones are things like worry, doubts, “mind chatter” or expectations. Distractions can be pleasant diversions, like a walk in the sunshine that provides a needed break. We find distraction an issue when we want to get something done but find it difficult to stay focused. If our intention is to live life from the inside out, moving in line with our inner sense of direction, then what role does distraction play? Instead of it being a momentary game on the computer, is it a patterned way of being? Do we allow the part of us to rule that “does whatever we want to do,” without regard for the guidance that is available to us moment-to-moment from within? Are we like universal yo-yos, following whatever catches our attention in the next moment?