Esther Perel Instagram – In my most recent newsletter, I expressed my commitment to focus. To focus on one thing consistently, one thing that does not involve me touching my phone, and going deep just into that one thing. This fall, it’s guitar. I’ve wanted to pick it back up for years. I want to get that focus back—string by string—and finally calm my wandering mind. So, I’m doing it. I’ve committed to learning four songs from the old days. Recently, I told a colleague over Zoom I couldn’t go into “meeting overtime” because my guitar teacher was coming. And, with that, I immediately saw how committing specific time to learning also creates a helpful boundary between work and home. My advice to you is to try something new—especially something creative—it’s a great way to jumpstart emotional connection. Having a project, building something, planting, cooking or baking (especially the recipes of our ancestors)… It’s the small, heartwarming, sensual thing that brings light into our lives in a new way. ‍ And if even that feels difficult, start here: close your eyes and imagine feeling totally flat. What are you thinking? What other feelings come up? How does your body feel? What does it make you want to do? Now, reverse that. Imagine the most joyful feeling you can conjure. Take it to its extreme. What thoughts inspire that state of mind? How does it feel in your body? What might you feel motivated to do? Sometimes just taking this mindset of peaceful excitement with us as we continue in our routines can help refresh them. And when we’re ready to take it further, our imagination will be waiting, ready.