Autopilot

I've been having a bit of a problem lately. My brain keeps wandering. It goes into autopilot at all the wrong times. I can't help it, it just happens. For the most part I think I'm pretty good at paying attention and participating and being involved when I should, but I seem to have lost that ability as of late.

For instance, I always (ALWAYS) blank out during Sacrament Meeting prayers. I try to pay attention. Really, I do. But I just cannot make myself stay on task. I hear, "Heavenly Father" then I start thinking about whether or not I turned the flat iron off, if I remembered my church keys, or if I brought treats for the kids (and me). And then suddenly we're at "Amen". I go ahead and "amen" along with the rest of the congregation, hoping I didn't just amen some sort of sacrilegious request.

Another time I just can't keep focus is during the safety demonstration on flights. I see the flight attendant up there pointing to things, buckling things, and pulling other things out of the ceiling. I know in the back of my mind I should be listening. Life saving information is being dispensed, here. Come on! But try as I might, I just can't make it through the demonstration in its entirety. Maybe it's because I've heard it before, or maybe I just don't want to think about something bad actually happening. Either way, my autopilot brain takes me far away from flight attendants, uncomfortable airline seats (which can be used as a floatation devices), and the token complimentary 4 ounce beverage.

There are other random times when this happens to me. It's not like it's a rare phenomenon. While I'm on the computer, when I'm listening to my children tell a story, when World Headlines are on TV; these are all sure-fire scenarios for autopilot brain. I'm trying to improve, really, but I'm not having much success. So if you see me looking at you, but not responding in a timely manner, there's a good chance I may have just sent my brain on a non-stop flight with my good friend autopilot.