We live in an age of distractions and clutter that cloud the mind, create heaviness on the physical and burden the soul. In Yoga, these distractions and obstacles are called Chitta Viksepa. With even small adjustments in behavior, thought, and action, we can shift to a greater state of clarity and focus. This clearer sense of focus allows purposefulness to abound and abundance to flow.

There are a variety of categories that narrow down Chitta Viksepa including:
*Alasya - Laziness
*Samsaya - Doubt or indecision
*Pramada - State of indifference
*Bhranti Darsana - False knowledge
*Vyadhi - Sickness which disturbs one’s physical equilibrium
*Angamejayatva - Unsteadiness of the physical body
*Styana - Lack of mental disposition for work
*Avirati - Sensuality and the state of being drawn to sensory objects
*Alabda Bhumikatva - Lack of concentration or continuity of thought or concentration
*Dukha - Pain or misery
*Daurmansya - Despair
*Svasa-prasvasa - unsteady respiratory flow

We often grow accustomed to allowing distractions to move us from tasks that help us achieve our goals and that move us towards a more positive existence. Often, in order to accomplish and follow through on goals, we must move out of our comfort zone, jump face-first into fears, perform uneasy tasks, or experience a period of sacrifice. Distractions are often the states of existence that are easy for us to fall back into; states of habit, of insecurity and doubt, of laziness, of indifference. Rather than moving away from these states to a place of focus, we collapse into this lack-luster state of interruption.

After decades of distractions, we come to the end of life looking back with regret that we didn’t dissolve those distractions with the radiance of focus and drive. What holds us back from experiencing our true potential? What habits and behaviors keep us from expressing the inner self?

For myself, most of the distractions start from the exterior and leave echoes of clouding vibrations. These unnecessary external stressors leave the muscles and joints tense, digestive system in chaos, and the entire body weak and lethargic. Take some time to write down all the distractions and menial tasks that are bombarding you daily. You may be surprised at the substantial length of your list. With your list, go through and see which 3-5 you can eliminate within 24 hours. Let this adjustment set in for 21 days especially if this is the removal of habit(s).

Then return to your list, see if you can add more (some may have surfaced since the original list was done) and explore how you can remove another 3-5 distractions. What is keeping you from accomplishing your goals? What is moving you from living a life of true happiness?

Some simple adjustments that can provide wondrous results:
1) read and respond to emails maximum twice a day - schedule specific times to read and respond to emails and don’t diverge from this schedule - many find this alone can add a substantial amount of extra time to one’s day
2) answer your phone only a specific times of the day and then turn it off - you don’t always have to answer the phone - your phone is for your convenience, not for those calling you
3) complete or remove tasks that annoy you - the longer you leave things that annoy undone, the more you move into a state of indifference (repaint those marked walls, fix that broken step, empty the garbage from the shed - find what annoys you and follow through)
4) reduce and organize - clean out unorganized closets and draws - create a zen environment in your home and office leading to a calmer internal state - be able to start your days with the eyes not burdened with disarray - don’t hide your clutter behind a door - organize inside and out
5) give yourself a minimum of 30 minutes a day with complete solitude and reflection - let quiet flood the nervous system - yoga, meditation, a walk in nature - anything that creates connection to the now and self

Just by completing a few small tasks or changing a few small habits starts us on a path of achievement. Confidence begins to replace indifference. We see ourselves and the world as having more potential for greatness, and we see goals with joyous appeal rather than as difficult mountains to climb. We start to surround ourselves with others who create their destinies and we see ourselves moving away from those who live by default in the distractions. We can gradually develop a powerful sense of discipline with each successful change and each reduction in viksepa.

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