Wisdom is the art of knowing what to overlook.
— William James

Here are five practices that can be useful tools in reducing distraction or frenetic activity and cultivating focus and concentration. They are surprisingly easy to implement and, almost before you know it, can become positive addictions.

1: Appreciate Impermanence

Here are four practices to explore to develop and increase your creativity (adapted from LESS: Accomplishing More By Doing Less):

I think of the practice of listening as one of the most powerful ways to accomplish more by doing less. So much time and effort is wasted when we act and assume, without really listening, or without really being heard.

If you think you don’t have the time to take a yearly retreat, or fear that retreats are themselves a waste of time, I suggest you reconsider.