What purpose do life's distractions serve?

My guru Harry, and I were talking. I said I'd love to concentrate on being more enlightened but my life is like a basketball game.  I feel like, while the free-throw is being set up, I, as the star player am bouncing the basketball a few times just for the sake of OCD and luck while, in the stands, behind the basket, the audience is flapping balloons and towels and doing everything they can to distract me. For me, the flapping audience represents my life and all the crazy things that distract me from being centred and grounded and sane.
In the grander scheme of things … what are life's goofy distractions all about?  We can't always ignore them, like paying bills and going to work, but if we do go to work so we can pay our bills, all sorts of distracting interactions, altercations and complications seem to be set up to take our minds away from our supreme purpose! What's up with that?
I'd be interested in know your opinions so I'll have an intelligent conversation with my friend next time, and hopefully avoid repeating, “Wow!  Yeah! What's up with that?” 
Thanks kindred spirits!
Peace and immortality,
Kate

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

The reason I ask is, when I was far less enlightened than I am now, I used to think that life's distractions were bad karma coming back on us.  Another time, when I was a young Christian growing up in a Presbyterian home,I believed it was God punishing me by not letting me focus and stay on course with my goals.  Now, it seems there are many interpretations of what life-getting-in-your-way means.
Frankly, I can't see any good purpose in being distracted from our chosen path.  But me, a classic ADHD, constantly is lured away by problems with my 24 year old, my computer acting up, an unavoidable expense popping up, etc.,, and I can only hope I'll make it to my life's goals before I walk off a dock or die of old, distracted age. My fingers are crossed.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Dear Kate,
You talk of our 'chosen path' and our 'supreme purpose'.  I am curious to know if the path takes us somewhere, and what the purpose of our purpose is - and how we will know if we have achieved it?  I am not sure that we need to go anywhere, or that we are on a mission.  Perhaps we should instead cease wandering (erring?) and see the 'distractions' as having the same quality in the moment as the mandala or the candle flame: all things arise in our consciousness and are replaced.
Namaste -
Will

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Will, you sound just like my guru, Harry! LOL  I've read a million books on self-discovery and life's purpose … (hyperbole is my middle name) and I wonder, how did you settle on the ideas that you accept as your personal truth? I wish I could just pick something and stick with it. I commend you.
Namaste
Kate

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Hey Katherine,

Life's distractions are an opening to adventures and possibilities of a path on which we travel to experience this wonder-filled Being that we are…Awareness is amazing!  Life brings me everything I need to wake up and enjoy joy…I have found that when I appreciate the little things, and am able to be present in each moment no matter what that moment is bringing, if I pay attention, even the things I use to think mundane or pesty…open in beauty…

I can remember a time when I would get so depressed around the first of the month…instead of being filled with gratitude for my life and the gifts I had, I would be filled with fear and just want to pull the covers over my head and stay in bed…this kept happening until I looked honestly at what it was that was really going on.   I did not want to be bothered with paying my bills!  LOL…today I am so grateful that I have the money to pay my bills, and transportation to run my errands, my heath to be able to do it…today I make a day of it, like an adventure, I do all of it and I incorporate things I love along the way, like getting lunch out and going to the park and laying beneath the trees on a blanket watching the wind blow the trees, sharing a portion with the little squrriels and birds…reading some in a favorite book…or just riding from place to place with my windows down and my music blasting…jumping in my friends pool long enough to get my heart rate up and keep my cholestrol levels down…haha…and doing my grocery shopping…I get it all done, and a lot more, and I have fun doing it…if I have a flat tire today, I am just grateful that I have a car to have a flat tire, and that I have the money to get it fixed!  I spent three years without transportation…life has taught me to be grateful and continues to do so when I pay attention.

That is how awareness works…if we do not pay attention on one level, it will circle around and bring us the same thing differently on another level until we pay attention…

I use to hate doing the dishes…but hey,  they need to be done at some point…so today I try to make it fun…what is within us is magical!  Very creative stuff we are, starstuff…amazing stuff really, and if we open ourselves up to the myriad possibilities we have within our own awareness, the universe will unfold and we will find ourselves filled with the simple yet powerful joy of just being a part of all that is…

Before I could walk I had to learn to crawl…I have to begin where I am…so if I am in the middle of chaos, I have to look at that, and inquire as to how I got there, b/c ultimately I walked my way right into it, and that means I can walk my way right out of it, but first I have to look at what the WHAT is that I find myself in…and be honest with me…I am responsible today for my life, my beliefs, my actions, my feelings, etc.

I was feeling a little lost of late, and so I had to honestly look at what was going on…I had lost my direction and was just flopping around like a fish out of water.  A few weeks back I went to visit my daughter, and awareness struck in a way that I could hear it…through her…I came back home and took the action needed, and now I am registered for college to continue my education and finish what was begun years ago before the so-called destractions of life led me down another path…

Destractions and pre-occupations are not a bad thing really…they are just another way awareness teaches us and awakens us to our own potential by forcing us to look at our own conditioned beliefs and programed emotions etc…

Anyways, I think I might be ADHD too…LOL…but I accept myself to day just the way I am, and allow awareness to direct my path, and I know that when I get complacent, as I tend to do at times, that it, awareness, will not mind kicking my ass in gear by any means necessary!  LOL…

much love and joy, *

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

starlight, thanks for your advice.  I try to accept myself and life in general but because I haven't stopped searching, I sometimes have doubts that simply accepting myself is the right way I should go. It's so simple that it's TOO simple.  Although, I don't know why I believe it should be difficult!  I shall ponder your blog and try to remember that lovely, abusive suggestion - K.I.S.S. 
(Keep it simple, stupid!) LOL

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Kate, we become free when we realize it's not only about the words but the spaces between them
Not only about the veils but what's beyond them
Not only about the exercise but the breath while you jog
That the student and teacher both need each other
That life is death in one world and death is life in another
That when we wake, we sleep to our dreams, and when we sleep we wake to them

That both left and right brain and the connection between them is what it's all about.

You asked :
what are life's goofy distractions all about?
I'd love to know - what ARE they about? Why get distracted about life's goofiness? Why escape it into seriousness?

Perhaps they're a part of –and not apart of - your chosen path.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Meenakshi, that answer was very profound!  I may have to add your name to my answer to “Who do you think is wise?”
Thank you for the riddle!
Kate

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

 “the flapping audience represents my life and all the crazy things that distract me from being centred and grounded and sane.
In the grander scheme of things … what are life's goofy distractions all about?  We can't always ignore them, like paying bills and going to work, but if we do go to work so we can pay our bills, all sorts of distracting interactions, altercations and complications seem to be set up to take our minds away from our supreme purpose” Well said.


In each moment eternity is passing. I'm so ADHD the I don't know what distraction is, I just see myself as interested.  I open my eyes and ask for help, at night I close my eyes and thank God I got it.  We can't always be tuned, in but we can always be willing. peace

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Rbee, you're right. I love to be grateful for all that I have. It's a little nightly habit that makes every day of life a benefit. Thank you for that.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

       Our distractions represent a chance to “concentrate” on the things that are really important to us. That is they allow us to focus. Are the things in our life distractions, or are they really opportunities in disguise? A chance for opportunity and growth where we least expect it. Can we see all the hecktic things in the world floating by in our awareness without wrapping our identity in them? Can I bring this awareness to life and work, and learn to appreciate my distractions? You see, once one learns to appreciate these distractions, they cease to be distracting.       :)

”Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”  –Mahatmas Gandhi

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

RL, I see what you mean. And I love the Gandhi quote.  My daughter was in a quandry today about what to do about her future.  The definition of happiness is exactly what she needs to hear.  Thank you!

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Well, my boyfriend says I'm his main distraction so I definitely interpret that as a good thing!!  ; D

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

You ARE an EternallyOptimystic One!  Yes, I agree.  Has to be a good thing! lol

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

One might look upon distractions as opportunities.  Not unlike meditation, they reset one's perspective.  Distractions serve to interrupt a train of thought entrenched in the mire.  Unlike drugs or alcohol, distractions such as exercise, movies or sporting events can be a healthy diversion from a harsh reality or mental anguish.  In a certain sense, life IS distraction.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Distractions tell us to focus.They say if you are not focusing than you will be lost somewhere in me…

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

I believe these distractions are sent to try us- and tempt us to leave our path!
It is important to keep one's focus, even while being distracted.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

But sandy … it's so difficult! lol

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

I know Katherine -it IS difficult- but not impossible!!

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Kate,
I was not going to take the time to answer because I didn't want to get distracted.  But did appreciate reading you thoughts because I, too, get distracted.  My first thought to your question.  All of life is distraction.
so what?  So if we have trouble setting priorities and getting them done without being distracted, then each day we have to practice like the basketball players.  Maybe we start with one to do on a list.  Both the to do and the list are great achievement.  Next day possibly two or one may be enough.  Is my resistance to doing these things my distress against early authority? Does it really matter?  I'm going to try the practice thing. Thanks for the question.  We are not alone my friend.  I love the thought “we are not the conditions of our lives, we are the space within which those conditions take place.”  Just by unjudgingly observing what goes on in our space I think we free up energy that serves us best.  May we beat ourselves up less and just appreciate what a little practice can do to help.  Thanks,  Kim

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

I'd been shooing this one away like it was some kind of plague because of previous bad experiences with this sort of thing. Finally, yesterday I decided to take a serious look at it and decided it was the opportunity of a lifetime! Check it out and if you agree, come join us. http://www.trumpnetwork.com/CyberSpa

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Sometimes what we think are distractions, are life trying to nudge us in the direction of our true intention. :)

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Kim, I suppose I create structure in my life because I need to work with a beginning, a middle, and an end.  I like to know I'm on the right tract in my “spiritual evolution,” and that's impossible to determine if you have all this “unenlightening flotsam” in your face all the time! If we didn't have to pay bills, go to the doctor, get the car fixed or take the kids somewhere some school day evening … it would be simpler to be “monks” and dedicate our time to enlightenment. But then, we'd have to wear those unflattering monk robes that do nothing to flatter the figure …. :P

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Well in my perspective life has its distractions so that it can teach us that even thou we have a 'goal' or a 'supreme purpose' we still need to enjoy our time here on earth. Kind of like the spirits are saying “Look the tree has many branches and just because you have chosen a certain branch doesn't mean you cant look at the leaves around you.” ya know what i mean?
In short i think that there there to give us a break from the seriousness of life.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

That's an interesting interpretation, Whitefang! I see what you mean.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

i always feel distractions adds more colors to life. imagine life with just us and our goals - isnt that boring? and well on the other hand distraction also provides us with options so that if i wish to, i always have an option to choose something else. isnt it better to have options than left with no options?

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

I suppose you're right, Principessa.  Life would get boring if we lived in a society that eliminated bill paying and working, where everything was provided, leaving us time to … not know what to do with ourselves. And, the distractions probably keeps us living longer too.  I choose options! lol
Thanks,
Kate

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Reading all of the responses has been truly enlightening! Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and opinions! I hope that all that I share can be just as helpful for you.

Overall, I feel like I agree with everyone's thoughts but put into my own words… “Distractions” are created by us, individually. If we did not put a label on that bill that needs to be paid, the good song that came on the radio encouraging you to dance or the phone ringing then what would it be? It would be… life. There are no distractions only many moments being presented for a reason. If your focus is not strong enough during a particular project or moment… then maybe it is done serving you for the time being. Maybe it is a reminder to take a deep breath into that beautiful belly and be in the moment wherever you are and with whatever is happening around you!

Enjoy your day… Much love & gratitude for you! :)

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

mpmurph, I was enlightened too. When I read your suggestion to take a deep breath, I did it.  And I realized breathing is not only essential, but it makes you feel good if you're aware of it! Thank you for your helpful, thoughtful answer.
Love too,
Kate

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Hi Kate!
I'm curious.  Do you meditate?  If you do, what happens when you are in the moment?  For me, the distractions fall away.  I can't run away from the world all the time, but I can use the calm I find to cope with the chaos. How does Harry cope?
Hot thread BTW.
phil

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Hi Phil!
Unfortunately, I can't meditate like I used to.  My mind is a whirlwind of creative, abstract, comedic, sometimes surreal thoughts mixed with random songs from classical, contemporary, hip hop, nursery rhymes … even the tune my cell phone rings. Over and over and over. Unless I could meditate in a sound-proof, empty, white room, a simple tiny noise will break my concentration. 
Harry hasn't even bothered to ask me to try meditating. lol  However, he is a master at meditation, yoga, anything on the “superior” level … he's there.  Me … not so much.  But I AM creativity-in-a-waffle-cone. I ooze creativity while my practical skills are becoming more disfunctional each year. I can sit on the subway and become dissociated for a half hour. But that's not the same thing as meditation, I know. The closest thing I come to meditating is when I'm doing my creative work, painting, sculpting or writing. Then I operate on pure focus, lost in time and space.
And thanks! I appreciate you rising to the occasion and answering my question!
Peace and immortality to you!

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Hi Kate-
I'm didn't mean to imply any criticism by asking if you meditated, was just curious.  Many people don't and get through life just fine.  You have a sweet spirit and I honor that.  Have you heard of Jill Bolte Taylor?  She talks about many of the same things you experience.  Her video can be found here.  Perhaps some of that creativity will rub off on me.  I'm way too analytical.  Have a wonderful day!
phil

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Katherine,

With a creative mind, may I suggest Visualization Meditations? This way you can let your mind do all those things it loves.  You won't need a sound-proof room either.  As I'm sure you're aware…there are tons of different types of meditation.  Try and see which ones work for you!

Let me know if I can help!
Hope
faithinhumanity72@yyahoo.com

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

How much gratitude I have for you Katherine.  I am glad you have distractions as they have caused you to halleriously express your desire for more and create a wonderful discution for all of us to share.  But mosty for making me laugh teribly as I completely visualised your agony in total recognishion.  How much do I love   “'hopefully avoid repeating, “Wow!  Yeah! What's up with that?” Your hallerious.
Ok, so.  We are limitless beings and have come into a limited realty that we are the creators of.  We are capable of the infinite.  Distrctions are there for our entertainment.  We came here to play a game.  To experiance what we are not, so that we than know who we are. (It was Neale Donald Walsh that said that and it resonated) 
It is all here for our entertainment.  If you are not enjoying your game.  Play another one.  Or choose a different role to play.
ADHD.  We are beings of endless creativity, strength, imagination, wisdom, courige, understanding beyond words, tuned in to source…….. and so we fly around a lot (distracted).  But isn't that a lot to be.  Distracion is part of the gifts, it is just seen as a ''should't be” in humanity.
You are brilliant. 
 Like the light in the darkness-all of darkness is asking why are you so bright?  You should be dark like the rest of us.  

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Thinking of you and hoping you are well.  Cheers

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Katherine, I am enjoying every aspect of the distraction that you have shown to us- what you've written, what others have written. Now if we can see this thread from afar, we might find the central theme around which all our different distracting thoughts revolve around. [You!]

You're an adventurer, widening the path. Absorb those distractions, flow through them; and above all else - I'd say, remove the shoulds from your  thinking. You're already where you feel you need to be!

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

To wean you away from worldly-material life and to make you think of-look for and find higher-spiritual side of life-gfr.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

That is an interesting question. I look a work as the biggest distraction of life. That is, of course only if you do not love what your work is.

Perhaps, if life is the journey of learning to live from the Heart with no social masks in naked truth. Then distractions serve us by showing us how clear our intention is to be present from the Heart. How easy is it for life to distract us and what is the process we use to come to center(Heart) again.

Life is meant to be playful and not taken too serious. That does not say that keeping focused is not important, cus it is. 

Our current culture is largely about distractions. We are more supported in playing in the distraction then playing at being wholly spiritual beings having a spiritual experience in human bodies.

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

In my case thus far not a whole heck of a lot:)

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Someone very close said this to me once, and it stuck with me.
The more you want something the harder it is going to be to get it , why , who knows.. but thats what makes us want it more isn't it ?

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

mabye it's all done this way because then we work harder. and then that thing we want seems like something bigger and something valuable

Re: What purpose do life's distractions serve?

Distractions exist so that we can act upon these distractions with actions enforced with presence and spread love.