Focus
I’ve been thinking lately about how FOCUS directs our DRIVE. When walking or driving we tend to veer wherever our eyes and head turn; in piques or chinese we will travel towards our spot; in pirouettes our fouettes we return to wherever our focus returns. In essence, our body’s direction follows the intent of our eyes. If our eyes are wavering or shifting in their focus, our body will waver and shift. If our eyes are sharply, intently “laser-focused” on something, our body will respond with precision. Interestingly, our mind’s attention similarly directs our thoughts, energy output and activities: if we are distracted or unsure, our thoughts follow suit, our energy is dispersed, and our actions are wayward. We drop into “auto-pilot” since our consciousness is not sufficiently steering the ship- which means we revert to anything habitual or “comforting” to our brains. This is fine during times of rest and relaxation, but NOT when we want to move to the next level of skill or artistry or personal development. As dancers we need to be looking for ways to improve our ability to FOCUS. Here are some suggestions:
Take a DEEP BREATH and “clear out the clutter”. Just three of the deepest breaths you can take, with a slow exhale, can reset your thought patterns, lower your anxiety, and improve your willpower - your “pause-and-plan” response.
CHOOSE your focus, and state it aloud! Is it a target, a thought, a goal, a movement quality? Name it!
Get your sleep! Our brains require it for optimum function.
Cut out processed foods, eat whole foods. Processed foods and excess sugar are linked to brain fog and lower motivation and attention. Feed your brain!
Write down what you want your focus to be, and consider doing this DAILY. We know that repeatedly identifying a thought or goal will reinforce our focus on that (so choose carefully! No negative thoughts!)
Consider AROMATHERAPY to help reset your focus. For example, if you are feeling foggy, take an energizing whiff of peppermint oil and state your focus. Or, if you are feeling distracted by anxious thoughts, take a deep inhale of lavender oil and state a truth (for me these would include “I am beautifully and wonderfully made”, or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”). Did you know there is a fascinating science behind the effectiveness of essential oils used in this way? Essential oils can help “clear the clutter” by wiping our neuro-receptors clean of distracting sensory input, and improving the ability to create new receptor activity (like facilitating learning and memory). If you are interested in more information on the use of essential oils for these purposes, check out the free app “The Essential Life Oil Guide”.
Remember, our THOUGHTS, drive our EMOTIONS, which then drives our ACTIONS. So begin with focusing your thoughts in the direction you want your actions to go, and see what successes you achieve!
