Have you ever wondered what it's like to navigate the world without sight? Let me take you on a journey that changed my life and might just shift your perspective too.

[If you're hearing this (that's a nod to my screen reader users) or if you're reading this, welcome and thank you for your attention. Buckle up, because we're about to explore the power of focus in a whole new light—or should I say, dark?]

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The Power of Attention

Let's start by talking about that potent little word: attention. It's like a spotlight in a dark theater—wherever it shines, that's where the action happens. It makes sense, then, that to some degree, where we choose to put our attention is generally where life unfolds for us. It creates a sort of feedback loop, where the more we focus on something and provide our attention and energy, the more we notice it. And one might even argue that our energy changes where we focus our attention.

When I first emerged from the hospital after losing my sight, my attention was like a magnet drawn to all things negative. And wouldn't you know it? That seemed to be the direction of everything around me. But here's the plot twist: it wasn't because that's how things actually were, it was because that's where my mental spotlight was fixed—on all the doom and gloom.

The Aha Moment

Things began to turn around when I had my "aha" moment. I realized that if I redirected my spotlight, maybe—just maybe—I'd discover a different scene altogether. So, I decided to focus my attention on small victories and simple techniques.

Learning to Navigate: A New Kind of Puzzle, and One Small Step

Learning to navigate without sight was like trying to solve a constantly changing puzzle with my hands. I'd walk around the house, feeling my way through and creating a mental map in my head. Each time I repeated the process, I'd challenge myself to touch a little less, until eventually, I could almost move freely around, knowing where everything was. That is, provided someone in my household didn't leave anything, inadvertently, of course 😉, in a natural spot for them but an unseen obstacle for me. Picture this: me, confidently striding across the living room, only to do an impromptu dance with a misplaced laundry basket. Hilarious for onlookers, maybe, but it cost me a few broken cups and picture frames along the way!

Small Steps, Big Gains

As I mastered these little tasks, my confidence grew. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me. Could I apply my newfound skills to the vast, ever-darkened world outside?

Spoiler alert: They worked! Taking my dog for a walk and feeling confident that I could clean up after him? That was like Neil Armstrong taking his first step on the moon, in my book. The simple act of independently navigating my small neighborhood, feeling the sun on my face and the sound of leaves rustling around me, became a source of joy I didn't expect to experience again.

Energy Follows Attention: A Life Philosophy

I remember stumbling upon a quote years ago: "Energy follows attention." Those three words have become my life philosophy. Where we direct our mental spotlight, that's where our energy flows. It's not just about physical navigation—it's about emotional and mental well-being too.

When I shifted my attention from what I'd lost to what I could gain, everything changed. I found new ways to enjoy books through audiobooks and screen readers. I discovered the joy of cooking by smell and touch, turning my kitchen into a sensory playground. Even my relationships deepened as I learned to listen more intently and communicate more openly. And I found a never-ending expanse of possibility, where we might be able to manifest reality by focusing our energy, our attention towards it.

A Challenge for You

So, here's a wild thought—and a challenge for you, dear reader. Where is your spotlight pointing right now? What if we all chose to focus on possibilities rather than limitations? On growth rather than setbacks? On connection rather than isolation?

I'm not saying it's easy. Some days, the spotlight stubbornly wants to shine on the challenges. But I've found that with practice, we can guide it to illuminate the path forward, no matter how dark it might seem.

Till next time, thank you for lending me your attention. It means more than you know. And remember, in the theater of life, you're the lighting director. Where will you shine your spotlight next?

Thanks for reading 🙈 Blind insight! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

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