this·?ness. ?t?hisn??s. plural -es. : the quality in a thing of being here and now or such as it is : the concrete objective reality of a thing : haecceity.
Haecceity (/h?k?si??ti, hi?k-/; from the Latin haecceitas, which translates as “thisness”) is a term from medieval scholastic philosophy, first coined by followers of Duns Scotus to denote a concept that he seems to have originated: the irreducible determination of a thing that makes it this particular thing. Haecceity is a person’s or object’s thisness, the individualising difference between the concept “a man” and the concept “Socrates” (i.e., a specific person).[1] In modern philosophy of physics, it is sometimes referred to as primitive thisness.[2]
Embracing Thisness: The Path to Profound Focus and Creative Insight
Our ability to focus deeply seems to be more rare and ever more valuable in a world overrun by technological gadgets. So what if there was a way to not just improve your focus, but to transform it into a powerful tool for creativity and self-improvement? Enter the concept of “thisness”. Yes, a philosophical idea when applied to attention and mindfulness, can revolutionize how you work, create, and perceive the world around you.
What is Thisness?
Thisness, also known as “haecceity” in philosophy, refers to the unique qualities that make a particular thing or experience what it is. It’s the essence or “thingness” of an object or moment that sets it apart from all others. In the context of attention and focus, thisness is about fully embracing and immersing yourself in the present moment or task, recognizing its unique qualities and significance. Being all in essentially. Checkout this short guided meditation video I put together if you want to go deeper.
Imagine your attention as a spotlight. Most of the time, this light flits from one thing to another, never fully illuminating any single object. Thisness is about directing that spotlight with intention, allowing it to fully reveal the depth and richness of whatever it touches.
The Relationship Between Thisness and Attentive Focus
Attentive focus is the foundation upon which thisness is built. While traditional focus techniques often emphasize duration – how long you can concentrate on a task – thisness is all about depth and quality of attention. It’s not just about maintaining focus, but about deepening and enriching it.
When you cultivate thisness in your focus:
- You notice details and nuances that you might otherwise miss, leading to deeper understanding and appreciation.
- Creative insights emerge more readily, as you’re fully present with the subject at hand.
- You enter flow states more easily, losing track of time as you become fully immersed in the uniqueness of your work or experience.
- Decision-making becomes more intuitive, as you’re able to grasp the essential qualities of a situation or problem.
Practical Tips for Developing Thisness in Your Focus
Now that we understand the power of thisness, let’s explore some actionable strategies to cultivate this skill:
1. Practice Mindful Observation
Start by choosing an object or scene to observe. A candle is a good one, but it could be anything – a flower, a coffee cup, or even your own hand. Spend several minutes exploring it as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Notice its unique features, textures, colors, and how it interacts with its environment. This exercise trains your mind to recognize and appreciate the thisness of everyday things.
2. Implement Deep Work Sessions
Set aside dedicated time for deep, focused work on a single task. During these sessions, immerse yourself fully in the unique aspects of what you’re doing. Whether you’re writing, coding, or problem-solving, try to recognize and appreciate the particular challenges and joys of that specific task.
3. Cultivate Curiosity and Wonder
Approach your work and daily experiences with a sense of curiosity. Ask yourself: What makes this moment or task unique? What can I discover if I pay close attention? This mindset primes your brain to recognize and engage with the thisness of each experience.
4. Practice Phenomenological Reduction
This philosophical technique involves suspending your assumptions and preconceptions about an object or experience. Instead of categorizing or judging, simply observe and describe what’s directly in front of you. This helps you perceive the unique essence of things more clearly.
5. Use Physical Anchors for Mental Focus
Create a physical ritual that signals to your brain it’s time for deep, thisness-oriented focus. This could be as simple as lighting a candle, putting on specific music, or sitting in a particular spot. Over time, these physical cues will help your mind transition into a state of heightened awareness and presence.
6. Engage in Single-Tasking with Full Presence
Choose one task and commit to doing only that task for a set period. As you work, continually bring your attention back to the unique aspects of what you’re doing. Notice the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise. This is thisness in action – fully embracing the particular nature of your current experience.
7. Practice Mindful Transitions
As you move from one task or environment to another throughout your day, take a moment to pause and reset. Notice the unique qualities of the space or activity you’re leaving, and then turn your attention to the distinct characteristics of where you’re going or what you’re about to do. This helps maintain a continuity of presence and appreciation for thisness.
8. Cultivate Patience and Non-Judgment
Developing an awareness of thisness takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and avoid judging your experiences. The goal is simply to notice and appreciate, not to evaluate or achieve a particular state.
The Transformative Power of Thisness
As you begin to cultivate an awareness of thisness in your focus and daily life, you may notice profound changes. Tasks that once seemed mundane become rich with detail and interest. Creative blocks dissolve as you access a deeper well of inspiration drawn from your heightened perception. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll develop a greater sense of presence and engagement with your work and the world around you.
Remember, the goal isn’t to maintain this intense focus on thisness at all times – that would be exhausting and impractical. Instead, aim to develop the ability to shift into this state of deep appreciation and presence when it matters most. Use it as a tool for tackling your most important work, solving complex problems, or fully experiencing significant moments in your life.
By embracing thisness, you’re not just improving your focus – you’re opening yourself to a richer, more nuanced experience of reality. In a world that often feels rushed and superficial, cultivating this skill could be the key to finding deeper meaning, creativity, and satisfaction in both your work and personal life.
If you’re ready to go deep or just need a little help getting started with a mindfulness practice – tune in here to my short guided meditation –
