Is the Temple a distraction for you sometimes?

Arisaig wrote: In the end, your focus determines your reality. If you focus on how this place distracts you, it will come off as a distraction.

Not necessarily. I wasn't focusing on "how this place distracts" me when I realized it had become a distraction.

Evolving into the creature you desire to be means sacrifice. You sacrifice the silly side projects, the debates and arguments, the short term "victories" and forum fluff to focus on pursuing that one big goal that becomes your world, your one big work. And developing the self-discipline to not step into the whirlwind again when you're really tempted means a greater chance at success in that endeavor.

But yes, anything that isn't part of your passion is certainly a distraction from it.

That is the point of it isn't it, a distraction..... as we are spending the rest of the time at max effort, I presume
If an internet forum is a stress, then the problems would likely lay elsewhere waiting to be addressed. Or is the question if the forum is entertaining enough to justify it as a preferred type of distraction. But if it is actually the only stressor (interacting online) then it's a chance to refine and improve by being here - just shape your interaction to afford conservative progress ie stability. As a place of work, same thing, shape focus to deliver results... and avoid, or handrail things, which don't.
In other words, I don't think its the Temples fault if its a distraction, as a manner of speaking.

Adder wrote: I don't think its the Temples fault if its a distraction, as a manner of speaking.

Agreed. Food isn't at fault for people overeating.

Not anymore ..., restricing my online time has greatly decreased the stress factor and given me the time and serenity to actually practice what i have studied here

It has been in the past so i understand what you mean.
Nowadays i have more commitments and more of a f2f social life, and sometimes have to force myself even to log in.

Yes, some of my best growth as a person and spiritually has been when I've taken a break from the forum portion of this temple, but not the people in it. Like all things it requires moderation, too much time spent online hinders you applying the lessons your learning to your own life as well as your everyday responsibilities. But there is still a lot to learn from here as well, take some bits go learn and be, come back get more! Some days or even a week at a time I'll not visit anything but my lessons journal and teaching master only to remain in focus. There's nothing wrong with taking breaks from things to put priority in taking care of or working to grow yourself.

Every day there is a myriad of things that compete for your attention.

Hell, that is why the items at counter of a gas station are called "impulse items.

Everyone fails to keep their eye on the prize at some point.

It may not be a forum, but no one is perfect, so it will be something.

It seems you noticed it though, and so can course correct.

Focus does determine reality, but sometimes we lose focus, and attention wanders.

The better you get at noticing it, the sooner you will realize it ,and the smaller the gap becomes between straying and getting back on track.

Take time to think about things like,

What topics trigger it?

What time of the day is your attention lowest?

Not enough food, coffee?

Too much free time, and so makes for idle time?

Do you just need to get in on the gossip?

Regardless, know you triggers and you know what buttons are being pushed.

Then, quit that shit.