Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention- and How to Think Deeply Again – Johann Hari
In the United States, teenagers can focus on one task for only sixty-five seconds at a time, and office workers average only three minutes. Like so many of us, Johann Hari was finding that constantly switching from device to device and tab to tab was a diminishing and depressing way to live. He tried all sorts of self-help solutions–even abandoning his phone for three months–but nothing seemed to work. So Hari went on an epic journey across the world to interview the leading experts on human attention–and he discovered that everything we think we know about this crisis is wrong.
We think our inability to focus is a personal failure to exert enough willpower over our devices. The truth is even more disturbing: our focus has been stolen by powerful external forces that have left us uniquely vulnerable to corporations determined to raid our attention for profit. Hari found that there are twelve deep causes of this crisis, from the decline of mind-wandering to rising pollution, all of which have robbed some of our attention. In Stolen Focus, he introduces readers to Silicon Valley dissidents who learned to hack human attention, and veterinarians who diagnose dogs with ADHD. He explores a favela in Rio de Janeiro where everyone lost their attention in a particularly surreal way, and an office in New Zealand that discovered a remarkable technique to restore workers’ productivity.
Crucially, Hari learned how we can reclaim our focus–as individuals, and as a society–if we are determined to fight for it. Stolen Focus will transform the debate about attention and finally show us how to get it back.
After my poem on the same topic, I became inspired to write more about Self Discovery.
Self-discovery is the process of understanding one’s true self and is a journey that we all undertake at some point in our lives. It’s the process of getting to know oneself, including values, beliefs, strengths, weaknesses, and one’s purpose in life. Self-discovery can be a difficult process, but it’s worth taking because it can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Going deeper into self-discovery can transform your life. True self-discovery starts when one evaluates their life and thinks about what’s energising and what’s not, what will bring more joy into their life and probably the most important question, what inspires one to jump out of bed each morning.
So what exactly is Self-Discovery? Self-discovery is the process of exploring and understanding who one is as a person. It involves gaining insight into their thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and motivations. It’s a process of introspection that can help one understand what makes them unique, what drives them, and what they want to achieve in life.
Self-discovery is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process that can continue throughout their life. As one grows and evolves, their understanding of themselves will also change. Self-discovery is about staying curious and open to learning about oneself and the world around them. Self-discovery needs courage and resilience to stick with the process and in the process of looking inward, one may learn things about themselves that one finds hard to accept. Discovering the inner self also requires lots of self-awareness, otherwise known as self-knowledge. Self-knowledge usually refers to their knowledge of their feelings, beliefs, and desires. If one has more of this in their life, they’ll have better emotional regulation and this helps them better their personal and work relationships and improve stress management. Knowing more about the way the mind works also improves empathy, helps exercise better self-control, be more creative, and have higher self-esteem. One also becomes more honest as a result.
Why is Self-Discovery Important? Self-discovery is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can help understand one’s own needs and desires. When one knows themselves well, one can make decisions that are aligned with their values and goals, leading to greater fulfilment and happiness in life. Secondly, self-discovery can help to develop a sense of purpose. When one understands their strengths and weaknesses, one can identify areas where one can make a meaningful contribution, giving life direction and meaning. Lastly, self-discovery can help build better relationships. When one understands themself, one can also understand others better. This can lead to more empathy, better communication, and stronger connections with the people around them.
When one cannot live in alignment with their true self, one must spend energy attempting to deny and distort one’s experiences to make sense of a pervasive lack of happiness and personal fulfilment. According to experts, this ongoing effort can go so far as to produce psychological states and conditions such as depression. The goal in life should not be to pursue imagined or externally derived ideals, but rather to develop a more realistic understanding of one’s strengths and limitations. By doing so, one can avoid negative psychological states and self-actualise, feel contentment, and make better contributions to the world. This is why self-discovery is so important.
How to Embark on a Self-Discovery Journey? Embarking on a self-discovery journey can be a daunting task, but it’s worth taking. Here are some steps one can take to get started:
Reflect on life experiences: The first step in self-discovery is to reflect on one’s life experiences. Think about the things that have shaped one as a person. What were the defining moments? What were the biggest challenges and what did one learn from these experiences? Reflecting on one’s life experiences can help one understand their values and beliefs. It can also help identify patterns in their behaviour that may be holding them back.
Identify strengths and weaknesses: Identifying one’s strengths and weaknesses is an important part of self-discovery. One’s strengths are the things that come naturally, while weaknesses are the areas where one needs to improve. Understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses can help one identify areas where one can excel. It can also help identify areas where one needs to work on themself.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware of the moment. It involves paying attention to thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Practising mindfulness can help one become more aware of their thoughts and emotions. This can help identify patterns in one’s behaviour that may be holding one back.
Try new things: Trying new things is an important part of self-discovery. It can help one step out of their comfort zone and discover new things about themself. Trying new things can be as simple as taking a different route to work or trying a new hobby. It can also involve travelling to a new place or learning a new skill.
Seek feedback from others: Seeking feedback from others can be a valuable part of self-discovery. Other people can often see things that they can’t see in themselves. One can ask friends, family, or colleagues for feedback on their strengths.
So, start working on the road to self-discovery and work to be the best self each day, no matter what. Take risks and try new things. Self-discovery is a journey that can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. It involves gaining insight into one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and motivations. The process of self-discovery is ongoing and can continue throughout one’s entire life. It’s important to reflect on one’s life experiences, identify one’s strengths and weaknesses, practice mindfulness, try new things, and seek feedback from others. By taking these steps, one can gain a better understanding of themselves, their values, and purpose in life. Remember, self-discovery is a process that requires patience, curiosity, and openness to learning. The journey may be difficult, but it’s worth taking because it can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
100 Disney Adventures of a Lifetime: Magical Experiences From Around the World – Marcy Smothers
Wake up to the sight of giraffes grazing outside of your window. Soar 400 feet into the sky on a hot-air balloon ride over Walt Disney World. Watch the Disneyland fireworks from The Tomorrowland Skyline Lounge, far away from the crowds. Taste your way through 11 countries of the world at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival. Take a jet trip around the world.
All these experiences and more bring the magic of Disney alive–and you can find 100 not-to-be-missed adventures in this one-of-a-kind collection. From the most beloved signature experiences–Epcot’s International Flower Show, breakfast with beloved characters at Chef Mickey’s, and getting dolled up like a princess before your day at the park–to the hidden VIP wonders like a private dinner in the wine cellar the Grand Floridian or drinks at the exclusive, members-only Club 33, this illuminating guidebookcelebrates and reveals the best experiences in and around Disney resorts and parks all over the globe.
Discover the magic that awaits, including:
A training session at the Jedi Academy at Disney Hollywood Studios, where you can make your own light saber and fight Darth Vader
Magical meals at a rotating dinner club featuring Walt Disney World’s best chefs, each themed to Disney lore
A 5.7 million-gallon salt water aquarium at Epcot Seas, where you can swim with angelfish, dolphins, eagle rays, and sharks
A private after-hours tour of the Luxor Temple in Egypt, where Adventures by Disney gets you away from the crowds for an intimate experience
Secret off-the-menu items around the park, including a cherry milkshake at Carnation Café and ice cream nachos at the Golden Horseshoe
The ultimate viewing spots for nightly fireworks throughout all the Disney Parks
Disney’s Halloween party, a one-of-a-kind theme night in the happiest place on Earth
A 5K Challenge on Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay, where you can soothe sore muscles post-race with a beachfront massage
A private jet tour around the world, led by expert National Geographic explorers
And so much more!
Along with beautiful imagery that will help shape your bucket list, this fantastic guide includes pilgrimages to historic Disney sites, like Walt’s hometown haunts in Chicago and Tam O’Shanter’s in Los Angeles where there’s a table named in his honor. Plus, National Geographic provides the inside stories of some of Disney’s most beloved attractions.
Each of these 100 adventures–from Walt Disney World in Orlando to the Galapagos Islands to Disneyland Tokyo–will have you believing in magic and wonder all over again.
Celebrated by the Ao people of Nagaland, the Moatsü festival is celebrated in the first week of May every year with various rituals performed during this period. The Moatsu Festival is one of the most popular and significant festivals celebrated by the Naga tribe and is a time of great joy and celebration.
The Moatsu Festival is a harvest festival, and it is celebrated after the sowing season is over. The festival provides them with a period of recreation and entertainment after the stressful work of clearing fields, burning jungles, sowing seeds, cleaning up the Tsubu or wells and repairing and constructing houses by the elders of the Putu Menden or the village council, that stretches over a week. The festival also is the beginning of marriages in spring and the ploughing of old and new Jhum fields. The Moatsü festival which runs for three days from 01 to 03 May is marked by peppy songs and dances and is full of merrymaking and fun. The festival aims to invoke the blessings of the almighty after the completion of sowing. During the festival, the villagers come together to clean the village and the surrounding areas, as they believe that this will bring good luck and prosperity to their village.
During this festival, one of the symbolic celebrations is Sangpangtu, where a big fire is lit and men and women sit around it putting on their complete best attire, the womenfolk serve the wine and meat. The village witch doctors forecast whether good or evil days are awaiting the people and the village by the readings of the celebration.
The first day of the festival is known as the ‘Likhümthi’, which means the day of the cleaning of the village. On this day, the villagers clean their houses, the streets, and the village common areas. They also decorate their homes with flowers and other decorations to welcome the guests who will visit their homes during the festival. The second day of the festival is known as ‘Moatsu proper’. On this day, the villagers wear their traditional costumes and gather at the village ground to perform various cultural activities. The men and women dance together, sing traditional songs, and play various musical instruments. The Ao people are known for their traditional warrior dances, which are performed during the festival.
The third and final day of the festival is known as ‘Tsuru Nyekha’, which means the day of feasting. On this day, the villagers prepare traditional dishes and invite their friends and relatives to their homes for a feast. The feast includes a variety of dishes, including smoked pork, dried fish, bamboo shoot, and various other delicacies. The feast is a time for the villagers to bond and strengthen their relationships.
During the festival, one of the symbolic celebrations is Sangpangtu where a big fire is lit and women & men sit around it. The best women serve the best wine and meat and make merry. The forecast is made by the righteous men who live by the guidance of the Almighty to see whether good or evil days are awaiting the people.
The Moatsu Festival is not just a time for celebration, but it is also a time for the Ao people to reinforce their cultural identity. The festival is an opportunity for the villagers to showcase their traditional arts and crafts, such as weaving, wood carving, and beadwork. The festival is also an occasion for young people to learn about their cultural heritage and the traditions of their ancestors.
The Moatsu Festival has a deep spiritual significance for the Ao people when they offer prayers to their gods and goddesses for a bountiful harvest and good health. The Ao people believe that their gods and goddesses will bless them if they perform the festival with sincerity and devotion. The Moatsu Festival is also a popular tourist attraction with many tourists visiting Nagaland during the festival to experience the rich cultural heritage of the state. In conclusion, the Moatsu Festival is a time of great joy and celebration for the Ao Naga tribe in Nagaland, India. It is a time for the villagers to come together and celebrate their cultural heritage. The festival is a time for the Ao people to give thanks to their gods and goddesses for the bountiful harvest that they have received. The festival is not just a time for celebration, but it is also an opportunity for the villagers to reinforce their cultural identity and showcase their traditional arts and crafts. The Moatsu Festival is a unique festival that showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Ao people and is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the customs and traditions of the Nagas
Singapore has been so hot all this month, and because of the humidity levels, even though the temperature showed 32 degrees, it felt like 40 degrees Celcius. And this is not just restricted to Singapore, starting in April 2023, a record-breaking heat wave has affected many Asian countries, including India, Bangladesh, China, Thailand and Vietnam with several regional temperature records being set. Temperatures so searing in places that people are frying eggs under the heat of the noonday sun with meteorologists tracking temperatures as high as 45 degrees Celcius in India, Thailand and Myanmar, and 42 to 43 degrees Celcius in Bangladesh, Laos, Vietnam, Nepal and China. These are temperatures that most of these countries have not experienced in decades. People are dying of heatstroke as they gather in thick, large crowds under the sun, and students are landing in hospitals as their schools bake in the heat. Power grids are stretched beyond their capacities, and farmers are looking at failed harvests. According to climatologist and weather historian Maximiliano Herrera, the continent is experiencing the worst April heatwave in its history and warned that it will only get worse. This is what climate change is capable of for all those still denying the fact.
Today’s quote is from the creator of a beloved comic strip, Calvin and Hobbs, Bill Watterson. According to Watterson, we are so busy watching out for what is in the future, that we don’t stop and smell the roses and enjoy today. What this means is that we should not let go of what is in front of us today for the chance that the future will be something better.
And speaking of better, the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday that Covid-19 deaths had dropped by 95% since the start of 2023, but warned that the virus was still on the move. Countries would need to learn how to manage its ongoing non-emergency effects, including the post-infection condition known as long Covid. Some countries are seeing increases, and over the past four weeks, 14,000 people lost their lives to this disease. With the emergence of the new XBB.1.16 variant, the virus is still changing, and is still capable of causing new waves of disease and death. So there’s still a need to be vigilant and stay safe.
And on that note, stay safe everyone and stay blessed!
Memories and Such 
