1- Seeing and hearing what is here.

This post is the first of a series of preparation exercises for Bring Yourself To Work Day. The purpose of this exercise is to scrape some rust off of your ability to see and hear what is actually here, instead of what should be, was, or will be. Getting feet-on-the-ground present, and opening up those two key senses might seem like a straightforward challenge. Or no challenge at all.

Let's see.

In your next meeting, spend some time with your eyes closed. You might be surprised what you hear when your ears are not distracted by everything you see. I often use this technique when facilitating a group because the visual noise can really distract me from hearing what is actually being said. Intonation seems clearer. Contradictions more profound.

After a few moments, open your eyes. You might be surprised at what you see before you. (Maybe you'll find a room full of people giving you the sneer, and wondering what the heck's gotten into you!! But probably not.)

Taking a few minutes of visual respite can bring what was always there but never registered into sudden, sharp focus.

Interesting how deliberately disabling one sense enhances another. Also interesting how refreshed a sense can be after a moment of checking out.