The Art of Attaching to Distractions

Let's explore how we can attach ourselves to distractions. “Why should I want to attach myself to a distraction?”, is some inner defense mechanism asking. Let me first explain how I define distractions. (Again, the meaning we give a word can change everything.) In society, we define being distracted as anything that diverts or draws away one's attention or focus from a task, goal, or present-moment experience. Our awareness is being pulled away from what we set out to do. For the duration of this blog, distraction will be just another word for the experience we have at this moment. Distractions are everything around us. This means we are constantly distracted and have no control over our experience. Sounds harsh, but I promise it will make more sense in a second!
I'm distracted right now by writing. Just in the past moment, I got distracted by looking outside the window before redirecting my experience to this word, no this word, no this one! So, the question is if everything we experience is a distraction, what are we getting distracted from? We are being distracted from the mind's original silence. The mind's original silence refers to the idea that our natural state of being is one of inner peace, stillness, and silence. As a result of interacting and experiencing the world around us, our minds are naturally distracted and cluttered with thoughts.
Talking about distractions today means talking about everything we do or think. Even writing this post, I'm taking part in a distraction from my mind's original silence, just as anyone who is distracted by reading this. We have no choice but to take part. If you feel helpless now, start to play with the word "attached." We will be distracted anyway. It is our choice what is taking our awareness away. We are the ones attaching ourselves to a distraction, and we can create an environment that distracts us in a beneficial way. For example, we can choose to engage in creative activities, surround ourselves with like-minded people and pursue meaningful goals that align with our values. To be able to attach ourselves to the "right" distractions, we need to learn to let go of certain attachments that are fueled by useless desires or aversions. Only this way can we gain control over our craving for a certain type of experience. And it will help us to be more present and live in the now because we've removed expectations from our minds and know that everything will take care of itself as we have put the necessary distractions in place. To get to this stage, we have to recognize our own behavior patterns, and this can only be done if we question what we do, and why we do it and begin to ask deeper questions. We have to make time and search for answers in the deeper inner original silence of the mind. The silence of the mind can be the loudest thing you have ever listened to! Begin to observe what is coming up. Where does your mind go when it is not occupied? Being the observer of your cravings aversions, and feelings, you will find out who you really are in this very moment. You will begin to peel the layers of distraction away that aren’t serving you anymore. Spending time in the distraction of observing ‘nothingness’ will give you the clarity to be able to answer the question: "What distractions do I want to attach myself to?" With the information gathered, we can begin to create an environment that distracts us in an intentional and mindful way. We can start by taking small steps, like setting aside dedicated time for our chosen distractions, cultivating a routine to observe the workings of our mind, and letting go of attachments and distractions that no longer serve us. By doing so, we can gain control over our experience and begin to live life instead of letting life live us.