How to Un-Focus, Part I

There’s no lack of online advice on how to zero-in and keep out:

But what about advice on how to minimize focus, to enter a state of diffuse attention? Good luck with that. I Googled and Googled, and finally found:·

You Should Be Less Focused

Actually a nice blog post by a very perceptive college student. I wish her well. But that was it! At least for first page search results.

Why does this matter? Because losing focus and having attention captured by whatever can enhance creativity, problem-solving, even wisdom. I won’t get into the particulars just yet – only to say this isn’t an either/or thing: we obviously need soft and hard focus, System 1 and System 2 – working together, back-and-forth or in parallel. Letting in and keeping out. Holding on and letting go. Loosening and tightening the bolts of control.

And here's the extent of the advice I've come across so far:

· Have a glass of wine

· Take a break

· Go for a walk

· Listen to your gut

Hey - it's a beginning. But we need more. We need mental agility training to develop our ability to traverse attentional states.