Sara Kirschenbaum
Palm Up
Go back to Blog

Full Distraction Living

Posted Tuesday, Jul 07th, 2009 at 6:44am

When I was recovering from the postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder that sent me to the psych ward in 1991, the child psychiatrist that I insisted my infant visit, recommended a book to me: Full Catastrophe Living by Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD. I read some of it. The bookmark is still stuck at Commitment, Self-Discipline and Intentionality. The book talks about Dr. Kabat-Zinn's work with people with major medical conditions in a stress clinic. It is a call for living with mindfulness. But what stuck with me throughout the years was the wonderful title - welcoming that which we dread. (His name is cool sounding too.) It's taken me full 18-years to come up with my own answer to Full Catastrophe Living. Now the baby is 18 and is going off the college. And I've discovered a new code to live by: full distraction living.

I found it in the garden. I was on my way to weed the basil plants (which I got for $2.99 at Trader Joe's even though I don't think they market it to gardeners) when I noticed that the fava beans were falling over into the rainbow swiss chard. So I turned around and went to look for the twine. As I neared the tool-table where I keep the twine I saw that the planter box by the kitchen door, with the peppermint and fuchsia, was dry. So I went over and turned on the hose and put the end in the planter box. Which reminded me that I hadn't let the chickens out. I walked over to the coop and let the chickens out and saw that some marionberries that were growing next to the coop, were ripe. I stood by the ten-foot-long vines putting one fat plum-sized marionberry in my mouth after another. While I'm stuffing my checks, I see the invasive purple campanula blooming away where I didn't mow it. I go to the kitchen to get a knife to cut some blooms to put in a vase when I see the dishwasher full of dirty dishes, gapping open and staring at me. I pour the new goopy liquid dishwashing soap in the dishwasher and get it humming. Now what was I doing? Was it something with the fava beans? I go back in the garden and look around. The corn needs to be weeded and I start on that. When I put the weeds in the compost I see a half-used ball of twine and remember that the fava beans need staking. I remember now that I needed a knife. I go in the kitchen and momentarily open up the dishwasher and get out a knife and head out to cut the campanula and put it in the vase...It looks pretty. I set it on the sill and look for my camera. I find my camera and take two pictures of the purple flowers in the blue vase. A bee is buzzing around inside. I remember that the bee hive has been eerily silent and I had wanted to check inside the hive. I go upstairs to find a white long sleeved shirt to wear with my bee netting...

And thus goes my afternoon. It's deeply satisfying: how liberating it is to follow one lovely diversion after another, how much I eventually am getting done, and how much snacking seems to be involved. This addresses both my work ethic and my rebellious forays of dilly dallying. The rout is circuitous but pleasant. I am plugged into impulse and curiosity like a toddler. What would it look like I wonder if I dared Full Distraction Living?

flower

201 comments

  1. Rachel Wrote on Tuesday, Jul 07th, 2009 at 1:20pm

    I love yoru discription of "Full Distraction Living". I am prone to FDL in the yarden but also in my sewing room. It feels like an indungence of the right brain.

  2. off white clothing Wrote on Friday, Jul 21st, 2023 at 2:46am

    I definitely wanted to construct a brief remark to say thanks to you for these precious ideas you are writing here. My extended internet investigation has finally been paid with excellent suggestions to share with my neighbours. I 'd express that most of us website visitors are very endowed to live in a fabulous place with so many outstanding individuals with interesting techniques. I feel very much fortunate to have encountered your entire webpages and look forward to some more enjoyable minutes reading here. Thank you once again for all the details.

  3. fear of god outlet Wrote on Friday, Jul 21st, 2023 at 9:43pm

    Thanks so much for giving everyone such a remarkable possiblity to read from here. It really is very pleasing and full of a good time for me personally and my office acquaintances to search your site no less than 3 times in a week to read through the fresh guidance you have. And lastly, I'm so certainly pleased considering the astounding methods served by you. Certain 2 points on this page are surely the finest I have ever had.

  4. off white Wrote on Saturday, Jul 22nd, 2023 at 4:35pm

    My wife and i ended up being joyous when Michael managed to carry out his basic research through the ideas he gained in your web pages. It's not at all simplistic just to continually be giving away tactics that many some people may have been making money from. And we acknowledge we've got the website owner to be grateful to because of that. The most important explanations you've made, the straightforward web site menu, the friendships you can make it easier to promote - it is many great, and it's helping our son in addition to us reckon that this subject is excellent, which is really indispensable. Thanks for all the pieces!

  5. golden goose dupes Wrote on Saturday, Jul 22nd, 2023 at 8:53pm

    Would you be focused on exchanging links?

  6. yeezy boost 350 Wrote on Sunday, Jul 23rd, 2023 at 10:42am

    I have to express my appreciation to you just for bailing me out of this trouble. Right after checking through the world wide web and getting tricks which are not helpful, I assumed my life was gone. Existing minus the strategies to the issues you have fixed by way of the article content is a crucial case, as well as ones that would have negatively damaged my entire career if I had not come across your web page. Your good capability and kindness in touching all areas was vital. I am not sure what I would've done if I had not discovered such a thing like this. I can at this moment relish my future. Thanks so much for this reliable and sensible help. I will not think twice to endorse your blog to anybody who requires recommendations on this matter.

  7. kyrie 8 Wrote on Monday, Jul 24th, 2023 at 4:43am

    I enjoy you because of your own hard work on this site. Ellie really likes participating in investigation and it is obvious why. Many of us notice all relating to the compelling mode you provide efficient solutions through this website and in addition invigorate participation from people on this situation so our simple princess has been starting to learn a lot of things. Take pleasure in the rest of the new year. Your performing a really great job.

  8. golden goose sneakers Wrote on Monday, Jul 24th, 2023 at 11:10pm

    I want to express some thanks to this writer for rescuing me from such a matter. After looking out through the search engines and meeting strategies which were not pleasant, I figured my life was well over. Being alive without the answers to the difficulties you've solved through this write-up is a critical case, as well as those that might have in a wrong way damaged my entire career if I hadn't discovered the website. Your good understanding and kindness in maneuvering all the pieces was helpful. I'm not sure what I would've done if I hadn't come across such a point like this. I am able to at this point look forward to my future. Thanks for your time so much for the impressive and results-oriented guide. I will not hesitate to refer your web sites to anybody who needs to have assistance on this subject.

  9. yeezy Wrote on Tuesday, Jul 25th, 2023 at 5:54pm

    I intended to post you one very small note to finally thank you as before with your striking knowledge you have shown at this time. This has been shockingly open-handed of you to provide unhampered all a lot of people might have offered for sale for an e book to end up making some money for themselves, even more so since you might well have done it if you desired. Those things in addition acted as the good way to be aware that other people have the identical passion just like my own to find out somewhat more with reference to this condition. I think there are millions of more pleasant instances in the future for individuals that go through your blog post.

  10. off white clothing Wrote on Wednesday, Jul 26th, 2023 at 11:25am

    I am only writing to let you understand of the beneficial discovery my princess encountered studying your webblog. She realized a wide variety of details, which include what it's like to have an excellent giving heart to make folks smoothly know just exactly chosen very confusing subject matter. You undoubtedly did more than our desires. Thanks for delivering those interesting, safe, edifying and in addition cool thoughts on your topic to Ethel.

  11. kyrie irving shoes Wrote on Thursday, Jul 27th, 2023 at 5:13am

    I'm writing to let you be aware of what a beneficial encounter my wife's princess undergone using yuor web blog. She mastered several issues, which include what it is like to have an incredible giving heart to make most people effortlessly learn about specified complex subject matter. You truly surpassed our own expected results. Many thanks for coming up with the warm and friendly, dependable, edifying and easy thoughts on that topic to Sandra.

  12. golden goose shoes sale Wrote on Thursday, Jul 27th, 2023 at 8:02am

    The next time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I imply, I know it was my choice to read, but I really thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you would fix in the event you werent too busy in search of attention.

  13. supreme new york Wrote on Friday, Jul 28th, 2023 at 12:07am

    I precisely wanted to say thanks yet again. I do not know what I might have taken care of without the concepts revealed by you about such situation. This was the traumatic circumstance in my position, nevertheless understanding your specialized fashion you treated the issue forced me to cry with fulfillment. I am just happy for this assistance and even expect you find out what a great job you happen to be providing instructing men and women by way of your blog. I am certain you haven't come across all of us.

  14. yeezy Wrote on Friday, Jul 28th, 2023 at 10:06pm

    http://lordtube.zoenglish.com/blind-woman-with-albinism-breaks-barriers-as-a-champion-swimmer-and-beauty-queen/

  15. curry shoes Wrote on Saturday, Jul 29th, 2023 at 5:11pm

    http://rusjev.net/2023/07/16/ministr-oboroni-britaniÑ—-pidtverdiv-shho-pide-z-posadi-j-ne-balotuvatimetsya-na-viborah/

  16. yeezy Wrote on Sunday, Jul 30th, 2023 at 10:48am

    http://www.headlinesnews24.com/6789/proximo-manufacturing-erp-software-bootstraped-manufacturing-business.html

  17. golden goose sliders Wrote on Sunday, Jul 30th, 2023 at 3:34pm

    There are some fascinating cut-off dates in this article however I don抰 know if I see all of them middle to heart. There is some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we wish more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively

  18. supreme clothing Wrote on Monday, Jul 31st, 2023 at 4:44am

    http://dev.rccgct.org/forums/topic/rhydaydoolley-wiudk/

  19. yeezy outlet Wrote on Wednesday, Aug 02nd, 2023 at 9:19am

    http://www.egola.es/banken-online-k.html

  20. kyrie 7 shoes Wrote on Thursday, Aug 03rd, 2023 at 2:33am

    https://ydrivepartybuses.webs.com/apps/blog/show/next?from_id=5704533&fw_comments_page=74&fw_comments_order=ASC

  21. cheap jordan shoes Wrote on Thursday, Aug 03rd, 2023 at 9:33pm

    http://www.aquarius3.eu/?work=fresh-air-birds

  22. golden goose Wrote on Friday, Aug 04th, 2023 at 3:12pm

    https://christinemconsulting.com/apps/blog/show/49927364-)-)-(-(?)-(-)-)-(-(-)-)-(?(^(-(??siteId=130456669&locale=en-US&fw_comments_page=27&fw_comments_order=ASCsiteId=130456669&locale=en-US

  23. yeezy boost 500 Wrote on Saturday, Aug 05th, 2023 at 8:40am

    http://www.lunwele.co.za/index.php/component/k2/item/7-leberkas-tail-swine-pork?start=371340

  24. jordan shoes Wrote on Sunday, Aug 06th, 2023 at 11:49am

    http://www.renegadetribune.com/joe-biden-not-by-accident-that-couples-on-tv-are-mixed-race/

  25. kd 12 Wrote on Tuesday, Aug 08th, 2023 at 2:24am

    http://91nia.com/208/

  26. goyard bags Wrote on Tuesday, Aug 08th, 2023 at 10:45pm

    https://hsckablo.com/component/k2/item/20-nulla-pellentesque/20-nulla-pellentesque.html?start=13590

  27. golden goose Wrote on Wednesday, Aug 09th, 2023 at 8:19pm

    https://mahalomel.com/apps/blog/show/48269451-happy-mummy-s-day-2020-to-all-you-gorgeous-mummies-during-covid19-?&fw_comments_page=9&fw_comments_order=ASC&siteId=127450598&locale=en-US

  28. off white Wrote on Thursday, Aug 10th, 2023 at 6:53pm

    http://www.dogokm.com/plus/guestbook.php?gotopagerank=&totalresult=21045&pageno=17

  29. goyard Wrote on Friday, Aug 11th, 2023 at 5:58pm

    https://planethadi.webs.com/apps/blog/show/43845225-jukuwe-projects-2015?&fw_comments_page=116&fw_comments_order=ASC

  30. goldengoose shoes Wrote on Saturday, Aug 12th, 2023 at 3:34pm

    This actually answered my drawback, thank you!

  31. golden goose shoes Wrote on Saturday, Aug 12th, 2023 at 5:21pm

    http://emkost.uz/index.php/component/k2/comments/report?commentID=174932

  32. goyard outlet Wrote on Monday, Aug 14th, 2023 at 1:46pm

    https://www.cryptocraft.com/news/1230483-are-we-done-with-rate-hikes-heres-what

  33. jordan 1 mid Wrote on Tuesday, Aug 15th, 2023 at 4:44pm

    Can I just say what a reduction to seek out somebody who truly is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know methods to deliver an issue to gentle and make it important. More individuals must learn this and understand this facet of the story. I cant believe youre not more in style since you positively have the gift.

  34. jordan shoes Wrote on Wednesday, Aug 16th, 2023 at 9:01am

    I'm often to blogging and i actually respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and keep checking for brand spanking new information.

  35. golden goose superstar Wrote on Thursday, Aug 17th, 2023 at 11:32am

    A lot of thanks for your whole hard work on this site. Betty takes pleasure in making time for investigation and it's simple to grasp why. My spouse and i know all concerning the compelling ways you offer important strategies on this blog and therefore cause response from others about this point so our favorite daughter is without a doubt being taught a whole lot. Enjoy the rest of the new year. You're the one doing a glorious job.

  36. yeezy gap hoodie Wrote on Thursday, Aug 17th, 2023 at 9:02pm

    you have got an important blog right here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?

  37. nike dunks Wrote on Friday, Aug 18th, 2023 at 1:08pm

    very good post, i definitely love this website, keep on it

  38. jordan outlet Wrote on Saturday, Aug 19th, 2023 at 5:35am

    Good post. I be taught something more challenging on totally different blogs everyday. It can all the time be stimulating to learn content from other writers and apply somewhat something from their store. I抎 choose to use some with the content material on my weblog whether you don抰 mind. Natually I抣l give you a hyperlink in your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.

  39. bape Wrote on Sunday, Aug 20th, 2023 at 12:35am

    Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read something like this before. So nice to seek out any person with some authentic thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for starting this up. this website is something that's needed on the web, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  40. vancenase ohne ärztliche Beratung Wrote on Friday, Sep 01st, 2023 at 12:46pm

    Great post. I was checking constantly this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info specially the last part : ) I care for such info a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and best of luck.

  41. cefixime 100 mg te koop in Franse apotheek Wrote on Tuesday, Sep 05th, 2023 at 5:52am

    Hi there! This post could not be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!

    He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!

  42. birkin bag Wrote on Thursday, Sep 14th, 2023 at 4:36pm

    There's noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made sure nice factors in options also.

  43. Bestellung von acyclovir in Deutschland aufgeben Wrote on Thursday, Sep 14th, 2023 at 9:26pm

    Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I'll just sum it up what I submitted and say, I'm thoroughly enjoying your blog. I as well am an aspiring blog writer but I'm still new to the whole thing. Do you have any tips and hints for newbie blog writers? I'd genuinely appreciate it.

  44. bape shoes Wrote on Friday, Sep 15th, 2023 at 5:55pm

    I'm often to blogging and i actually respect your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and preserve checking for brand spanking new information.

  45. supreme clothing Wrote on Saturday, Sep 16th, 2023 at 5:15am

    I'm typically to blogging and i actually respect your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I am going to bookmark your web site and hold checking for new information.

  46. supreme Wrote on Sunday, Sep 17th, 2023 at 9:20pm

    After examine a few of the weblog posts in your website now, and I actually like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website listing and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my website online as effectively and let me know what you think.

  47. hermes Wrote on Monday, Sep 18th, 2023 at 10:23am

    WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..more wait .. ?

  48. off white outlet Wrote on Tuesday, Sep 19th, 2023 at 12:14am

    This web site is known as a walk-through for all the information you wanted about this and didn抰 know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also you抣l definitely uncover it.

  49. effettua un acquisto di espirone in Italia Wrote on Tuesday, Sep 19th, 2023 at 9:33am

    We are a group of volunteers and starting a brand new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable task and our entire community can be grateful to you.

  50. pg 1 Wrote on Tuesday, Sep 19th, 2023 at 2:48pm

    I found your blog site on google and check a couple of of your early posts. Continue to keep up the superb operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN Information Reader. Looking for ahead to reading more from you in a while!?

Leave a Comment

Fields marked with a * are required