“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” —Buddha

Breathe, take stock, and live in the now. It’s commonly offered advice, but the simplicity of the task belies its importance.

Drowning in the disorder born from raging/shifting tides, find oxygen, peace, and balance from within by grasping a moment to pause and reflect. If we put down the screens, quiet the chaotic static of perpetually racing thoughts, and listen to the steady cycle of our hearts and breath, the noise starts to soften, and an almost palpable clarity rises to the surface.

We are living in almost indescribably uncertain times, and the exponential speed and influence of technology only fuel a steadily growing fire of information saturation, nervous tension, and a crippling feeling of powerlessness.

But the outside world is far too large and unwieldy a dragon to slay. Ineffectual and inefficient, we hurl stones at unbreakable glass, hoping for a crack in the protective barricade. But steel shields dismiss our advances like ducks shaking raindrops from their feathers.

So what’s the alternative tactic? Go inside and soothe the savage beast.

These dwindling attention spans are fueled by a constant lack of focus and a resistance to introspection, at our own peril. The next thing isn’t always a better thing. So, deeper dives reward swimmers willing to hold their breath long enough to explore new terrain.

Flashing multicolored lights behind closed eyelids can be quieted to black with enough concentration and release.

Take a moment. Breathe. Reset. Restart.

Adolescence Interrupted

…and stop killing animals.