Keeping Our Focus in the Shower

Each morning, I make a conscious effort to feel the warm water cascading over me, to indulge in the rich lather of my shampoo, and to appreciate the silky softness of my conditioner. Yet, just about 20 seconds in, my mind starts to drift—what should I tackle next on my to-do list? Should we grill chicken for dinner, or should we opt for takeout?

I remind myself to return to the experience of the shower. I take in the fragrance of my favorite soap, Garnet Grapefruit & Lily, which promises to be "more than just a cleanser; it's a sensory experience to relish every day." Relish? I’m grateful it cleans me, and yes, I enjoy its scent and texture, but I never truly savored it before. It seems I’ve been missing out.

As I prepare to shave my legs, my thoughts inevitably shift to what I plan to write about today on Medium. That's a surefire way to nick myself with the razor!

But hold on—what am I doing? I’m trying to stay present in the shower and writing about it simultaneously. In a humorous twist, thinking about my writing topic actually provided me with an idea for an article. Who would have thought I’d brainstorm my day’s piece while showering?

The Quest for Mindfulness

Staying present has been a recurring theme in my life. I've explored this topic in at least two previous Medium articles. You might find interest in “Can You Enjoy Every Moment of Your Life Just as It Is Now?” published on May 22, 2022, and “This Moment in Time Will Not Be Repeated—Pay Attention to It Now,” published on April 22, 2022. Both were released within a short span, clearly indicating my commitment to practicing mindfulness.

Am I successful in this endeavor? Not always. However, the objective is to continually bring ourselves back to the present moment without self-judgment. When we notice our thoughts straying, we simply redirect them.

Perhaps I am easily distracted. It might even be a hint of ADD. I don’t intend to minimize the experiences of those with ADD or ADHD, but it’s a possibility I consider for myself.

How about you? Do you find your thoughts wandering when trying to concentrate on a task? Are we overburdened with responsibilities?

If so, let's strategize on how to lighten our loads. Perhaps we can delegate more tasks to family members, hire assistance, or utilize the conveniences that emerged during the pandemic for meal preparation or delivery.

Ultimately, the key to managing the present is to return our focus to it as many times as necessary.

A Productive Shower Experience

Returning to my shower experience, I emerged clean, with my hair washed and conditioned, and I had written this entire story in my mind within about 10 minutes. Typically, I invest more time and effort into my articles, often requiring additional research, but this one seemed to flow effortlessly.

Even though I wasn’t fully present for every second of my shower, I accomplished more in that brief period than I had anticipated.

Let’s take a moment to slow down and appreciate life, one beat at a time. We never know how long we will have the next precious moment.