The Cost of Distraction

We can spend our lives being busy and distracted or we can make the most of it by shifting our attention to what truly matters. The trouble is, our brains are designed to look for distractions, and consciously paying attention is actually effortful. Our brains readily reward us for that tap on social media or a check of a promo e-mail, even if it has nothing to do with what is actually important to us. In the age of continuous information and sophisticated marketing strategies to highjack our attention, this inability to focus on our intentions comes at a big cost. By wasting our time, we are wasting our lives. 

The Power of Focus

This course introduces you to how your brain attends and gives you tools to develop and strengthen your focus towards what matters to you. Think of it as 6 sessions with your fitness coach giving an exercise list to strengthen your body. Only here you are strengthening your mind, making shifts towards increased mindfulness, mental resilience, improved focus, and sense of wellbeing. 

The Beauty of Art

This course is special in that awareness of how your mind works is deepened with creative expression, which has been captivating the attention of humans for thousands of years. ‘In the zone’ is often used to describe artists when they lose themselves in the moment, with their focus sharp and undivided. We can draw inspiration from them and improve our own attention by engaging in artful practices.

• By learning to pay attention to your body, your senses, your emotions, and your thoughts you will learn to tune into yourself and define your values and intentions.

• By learning to attend externally through drawing, you will strengthen your attention like a muscle and ready yourself for optimal performance in other areas of your life too.

• By learning to let go of attention in ways that are in line with your intentions you will help your brain organise and consolidate information, and tap into your innate creativity.

Your Programme

1 

Attending to your body

The nervous system and your breath

• discover how your brain attends, processes and organises information and why it is easily distracted
• learn about your nervous system and how tuning into your breath can not only give important information about your emotional state, but also directly effect that state
• find out how you can use simple drawing practice to connect with your breath, reduce anxiety and regain control at times of stress

2 

Attending to your senses 

Training your brain to be present

• learn the science behind mindfulness and how training your mind to attend to the present moment reshapes your brain
• discover the ways in which your brain evolved to automate your actions and how through this powerful process some important moments in your life get filtered out. You will learn to challenge your own brain’s machinery by tuning your attention
• use drawing to connect to your senses through music and through touch

3 

Attending to your emotions

Emotions as information, not directives

• learn how your emotions provide you with vital information in order to alert you, guide you, or nudge you. Yet these messages are not always accurate. By attending to your emotions, even the most uncomfortable ones, you become in control of your reactions, which is the backbone of resilience
• discover how you can use drawing to connect with your emotions with the help of music. Music induces emotions, some will make you feel sad, some - joyful. You will practice connecting with emotions induced by music in a safe and supportive space. You will then be able to use that experience to practice on your own with real-time emotions that arise for you

4 

Attending to your thoughts

Your thoughts are not reality

• learn how your brain generates your reality and what role your thoughts play in that. You will discover how deeply engrained beliefs, biases, and life narratives are born and how powerful they are in shaping your life. You will realise that your thoughts are simply representations of reality, rather than the reality itself. It is one of the most powerful changes you can make in your life
• you will find out how through drawing meditation and journaling you can become attentive to your thoughts and question their validity, allowing you to feel more in control of your life

5

Attending to the process 

Finding your Flow

• learn about the Flow - your brain’s superpower that often remains hidden in the depths. You will find out how activities that you feel passionate about are your biggest treasure, and once that treasure is discovered, it will illuminate your life 
• discover how understanding the 9 conditions of Flow will help you find your element and use it to supercharge your focus. You will learn how Olympic champions use Flow to win gold medals and how you can tap into your optimal performance by doing something that you already love doing
• use observational drawing to put together all principles already uncovered in the course. During a longer stretch of time, you will draw an object from nature, whilst observing your thoughts, challenging your perception, and channelling your emotions

6 

Inattention. The power of mind wandering. 

Creativity and rest

• learn about the vast importance of inattention. You will learn the power of the wandering mind and find out how your brain consolidates learning and memories, as well as how creativity is born
• combine all previously learned techniques to tap into your innate creativity and set on your unique journey with drawing, music, colour, shapes, lines and whatever else...

What's included in the price of the course:

• All course materials, extended reading list and music playlists
• Art supplies used in practical sessions
• Oriental tea and nibbles
• A 2-hour reflect & refresh session in 6 months