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To Skim Or Not To Skim Mystery Cache

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Skimbosh: This one is done.

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Hidden : 4/7/2022
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:


The cache is not at the listed coordinates.  To retrieve the cache and sign the log, you must enter a numeric code in the checker to recieve the new coordinates and instructions.

*  Read my totally-not-plagerized essay on distraction, attention, and mental exercises.  Reading this will give you the mental fortitude to focus on and interact with the code given by a computerized voice in the attached audio.
*  At the bottom of this page (and right here) is the link to a video with said computerized voice that reads off a lengthy numeric (and numeric only) code amidst quite a bit of audio distractions. 

ABOUT PARKING:  I'm not holding your hand, but the listed coordinates (before solving, take note!) take you to a handy public cutthrough from Meyer Way to Turkey Trot, should you decide to park at the Township Community Park, included in the waypoints.  You can get from the parking there to the solved GZ in less than 10 minutes of walking.

Your Attention Please

 

We can pick out a conversation in a loud room, amid the rise and fall of other voices or the hum of an air conditioner. We can spot a set of keys in a sea of clutter, or register a raccoon darting into the path of our onrushing car. Somehow, even with massive amounts of information flooding our senses, we’re able to focus on what’s important and act on it.  An effective attentional system must be able to quickly identify and focus on the most important item in a complex environment; sustain attention on its focus while monitoring related information and ignoring other stimuli; access memories that aren't currently active, but that could be relevant to the current focus; and shift attention quickly when important new information arrives.

Some stable elements in our attentional system, which develop early, automatically and predictably reduce the complexity of the surrounding sensory environment. They allow us to quickly respond to sudden threatening events. Other more adaptable elements develop later, and we can teach these adaptable elements to respond to more subtle sensory stimulation, gradual changes, and social demands, such as school procedures.

Distraction is due to a lack of attention; the absence of interest in the topic; and the great intensity, novelty or attraction of something other than the object of interest. It comes from both internal and external sources.  External distractions include factors like visual triggers, social interactions, music, text messages, and telephone calls. While internal distractions include hunger, tiredness, illness, anxiety, and daydreaming.

Low-Finance Attention Plans

 

You’ll never get big muscles from sitting on the couch all day, and you’ll never develop amazing powers of concentration from exclusively reading Buzzfeed and watching Tosh.O. Your mind muscles, just like your physical muscles, need resistance; they need challenges that stretch their limits and in so doing, grow their focus fibers. Below are exercises that will beef up your focus so that you can start lifting heavier and heavier cognitive loads.

1. Increase the strength of your focus gradually. If you decide you want to physically get in shape, but are starting at ground zero, the worst thing you can do is to throw yourself into an extreme training program – you’ll end up injured, discouraged, or both, and you’ll quit before you even really get started.

Likewise, if your attention span is currently quite flabby, it’s best to slowly build up the weight you ask it to lift. In this series we’ve mentioned trying the “Komokino Method” in which you work for, say, 45 minutes straight, and then allow yourself a 15-minute break. But for many of us, 45 minutes might as well be a mind marathon!

So start out with a pretty easy goal and work your way up from there. Set a timer for 5 minutes and focus completely on your work/reading for that time period. Then take a 2-minute break before going at it again for another 5 minutes. Each day, add another 5 minutes to your focused work time, along with an additional 2 minutes to your break time. In 9 days, you should be able to work for 45 minutes straight before you allow yourself an 18-minute break. Make sure when entering the code that you follow Komikino's instructions in his comment on the video in the link.  Once you get comfortable with that set-up, you can work to lengthen your focus sessions a little, while shortening your break times.

2. Create a distraction to-do list. Because the internet has made any bit of information instantly accessible, we tend to want to look something up the moment it crosses our mind. “I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow?” “What year did that movie come out?” "There is a number missing from this list, remove all instances of it from the code you enter." “I wonder what’s new in my Facebook feed?” Consequently, we’ll toggle away from what we’re working on the instant these questions or thoughts pop into our minds. Problem is, once we get distracted, it takes on average 25(!) minutes to return to our original task. Plus, shifting our attention back and forth drains its strength.

So to stay on task, whenever something you want to check out pops into your head, just write it down on a piece of paper next to you (or perhaps in Evernote for you tech types), and promise yourself you’ll be able to look it up once your focusing session is over and your break time has arrived.

4. Meditate Not only does meditation help keep you cool, calm, and collected, research has also shown again and again that mindfulness meditation can boost your attention span significantly.

In one study, 140 volunteers took part in an eight-week course in meditation training. After the eight weeks, all the volunteers showed measurable improvements in attention span, as well as other executive mental functions.

You don’t have to spend your days meditating in a monastery to take advantage of its attention-boosting power. Research has shown that just 10 to 20 minutes of meditation a day will do the trick. What’s more, you’ll even see improvements in your attention after just four days.  So if you want the power to focus on your studies for hours at a time, start your mornings off just focusing on your breath for a few minutes.

Can You Focus On The Voice Reading The Code Over These Distractions?

 

Some people may find this all very easy, some may not.  If you encounter any problems, I suggest rereading the instructions and trying again.  Remember that this is just a game.  If you happen to learn anything or become an actual better person through focus, then I accept full responsibity, and you are welcome.

THIS LINK WILL TAKE YOU TO THE UNLISTED YOUTUBE VIDEO WITH THE CODE

Click below to enter code:

Check your solution

If you are legitimatly interested in the topic at hand, go for more at:  https://www.artofmanliness.com/character/behavior/your-concentration-training-program-11-exercises-that-will-strengthen-your-attention/

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