Camera and pen
Good tools for having a good time, a good life and loving others. Here's why they are and how they help.
Take the camera. I like the camera on my iPad but one on a phone will also do nicely. It is not a matter, necessarily, of having terrific detail or a big closeup. In fact, you don't need to take many pictures or even one. You just need to point the device at something you might take a picture of. It can help to name the object, the scene, the focus deliberately with an actual word you choose.
The process is much like reading a story you like or making a recipe you want. It helps move your attention around, some targets close-up and some farther off. If you physically name the pump, the car, the cat, a couple walking by, your language parts engage and you can tell there is plenty going on in your world.
Similar process with the pen and some piece of paper or a notebook. Old envelopes that brought bills or ads also work well. This version can be more introspective. What time did you wake up? How was your night? Did you dream? Of what?
What did you have for breakfast? Same as before? Is that ok or not so much? What would you rather have?
Up to here, I have eight question marks. You can use the pen and paper to make a few notes. They are expendable and don't need to be lovely. They do need to be legible, at least for you.
Waken
Night
Dream
Breakfast
Same
Judgment of breakfast diet
New breakfast soon
It is also possible to jot down the usual subjects that come to mind about now, you know, the stuff you worry about or want or hate or love or miss. Makes good sense to list at least two things you are grateful for. Maybe your tongue and your good account balance.
This is a good time to put aside the camera and the pen and pencil. Go buy some milk or eggs. Maybe call a friend or pay a bill online. After about 30 minutes, ask what the camera or pen has left in your mind. Write about that. What recurs? Is it irritating? Why? Is it surprising that comes to mind?
Check your mood, your outlook. If you are alert and aware, good work! If not, try again tomorrow.
