Golden Squirrels

[The Way of Distraction - V]

Some “distractions" are not distractions at all.
They are synchronicity at work.
They are calling coming into focus.
They are whispers offering direction.

Some squirrels are just squirrels; we chase after them for the rush. We’re distracted. We waste time. We’re left less satisfied.

But some squirrels are golden squirrels. They mean something. They point to something. They matter to our self-understanding or development. They are not catchable or un-catchable; catching them is not the point. The point is to observe and learn, attend to and listen.

How do we know the difference?

Squirrels that are mere distractions emphasize grandiosity or force self-comparison. (A perfect example: the YouTuber wanting to “give” you his plan to make $10k a month from home.)

Golden squirrels do neither; they encourage reflection and introspection, wonder and awe. Often times they compel writing down notes, or sketching a picture. They seem more like a vision than a distraction. Because they are. They are momentary mentors.

Ignore the distractions.
Unless they are golden squirrels.