This was the scene outside my patio window. A cat crouched off to the side watching a lizard. The lizard was watching a spider. The spider quickly moved forward and grabbed a tiny insect. The lizard sprinted ahead and gobbled up the spider. The cat pounced and grabbed the lizard.
It appears that each of these creatures was in a state of intense focus, concentrating on their intended action, oblivious to something they normally would have been quite concerned about.
Humans are one of the few creatures that probably don’t worry too much about being the victim of a predator. But intense concentration without regard to the task at hand can certainly get us into trouble. Texting while driving or bad-mouthing the boss who just happens to be standing right behind you might make for an unpleasant situation.
There are times when concentration to the exclusion of everything and everyone around you will open the door to real creative expression. This was true for me when I wrote computer programs and it’s true now when I’m writing fiction. Task-specific concentration is probably essential for anyone trying to create something substantial and meaningful.
It is when we find ourself facing larger problems and situations involving myriad issues and concerns where intense focus is equivalent to putting blinders on a horse. It works when we only care to go in one direction without concern for what is beside or behind us. But we have to remember, a horse with blinders has a driver who can see the bigger picture.
It seems the world has gotten into a bit of a mess all because the horses were pulling driverless carts. How often have you felt under-appreciated or worse because of some arbitrary rule or procedure? What makes the situation worse is when the enforcer willingly admits the unfairness while dismissing their ability to correct the deficiency because they’re ‘just following the rules.’
Blinders. Seems they’re all the rage these days. Everyone’s wearing them, at least some of the time. What can you do? Other than perhaps take off your own.