Twishmay's Blog

Once upon a time, there was a bright-eyed child who dreamt of becoming a pilot, a scientist, a physicist, and a programmer. But as time passed by, reality set in and the dreams evolved, transforming this ambitious child into a banker, an investor, a business student, and eventually an operator and entrepreneur.

Such is the curious journey of life, where childhood ambitions change with age, influenced by external factors, personal interests, and societal expectations. The underlying theme here is adaptability – a trait that connects our past and present selves. How do we make our dreams relevant and continuous over time? Do our dreams also evolve like memetic evolution?

Do we need a new interpretation of dreams?

In today’s fast-paced world, attention has become a precious commodity. We are constantly bombarded with information, leaving us with little time to focus on any one thing. In fact, a study from the University of California, Irvine found that the average office worker is interrupted every 11 minutes, while it takes around 25 minutes to return to the original task after an interruption. It’s no wonder our concentration often resembles turbulent fluid flow rather than the smooth laminar flow we desire.

Fluid dynamics, the study of how fluids move, teaches us about two types of flow: laminar and turbulent. Laminar flow is smooth, streamlined, and predictable, whereas turbulent flow is chaotic, disorderly, and harder to predict. It seems like a perfect metaphor for our attention spans, as we often oscillate between focused and scattered states.

But can a fluid be both laminar and turbulent at the same time? Surprisingly, the answer is yes! In a phenomenon called transitional flow, a fluid can exhibit characteristics of both laminar and turbulent flow. Think of transitional flow as the “gray area” where fluid behavior is neither entirely orderly nor entirely chaotic. This intriguing concept can be applied to our attention dynamics as well.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

As we navigate through life’s uncertainties, we must learn to embrace our own “transitional flow” of attention. Instead of desperately trying to maintain a constant state of focus, we can adapt to the changing demands of our environment, fluidly transitioning between different modes of attention as needed.

“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength, but through persistence.” – Buddha

So, how do we achieve this state of fluid attention? We can start by practicing mindfulness, being present in the moment, and cultivating our capacity for deep work. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths, can help us become more aware of our attention patterns and regain focus when necessary. Everyones meditation is different though.

Mine is fluid dynamics. Ironically, I almost failed this course in chemical engineering about fifteen years back. “Transport phenomena” and “Mass trasnster” are so interesting, yet diffusion only gets popular when its Stable?

In a world that demands constant attention, we can learn valuable lessons from the field of fluid dynamics. Just as fluids can transition between laminar and turbulent states, our attention spans can be adaptable, fluid, and resilient in the face of distractions and interruptions. Embracing our own “transitional flow” of attention allows us to better manage our energy, focus, and overall well-being.

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Lao Tzu

To foster this fluid attention, we must also create an environment that supports it.

This could mean decluttering our physical spaces, setting boundaries with technology, or establishing routines that encourage periods of uninterrupted focus. By doing so, we create a mental landscape that encourages flow and adaptability.

Turbulent fluid attention dynamics teaches us to embrace change and adapt to the shifting demands of our lives. By understanding the parallels between fluid dynamics and our attention spans, we can learn to better navigate our ever-changing world with grace and resilience.

So, the next time you find yourself struggling to focus amidst the chaos, remember that just like a fluid, your attention can be both laminar and turbulent at the same time. Embrace your “transitional flow” and allow yourself to adapt, persist, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

“You must be shapeless, formless, like water.

When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup.

When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.

Water can drip and it can crash. Become like water, my friend.”

– Bruce Lee

Ultimately, the turbulent fluid attention dynamics concept encourages us to draw inspiration from the natural world and apply it to our daily lives.

Embracing our inherent adaptability and fluidity, we can better cope with the constant barrage of information, distractions, and demands on our attention. In doing so, we’ll find that we are not only more effective and productive, but also more at peace with the ever-changing landscape of our lives.

TS
06.04.23