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content/blog/2012-08-22-train-of-thought.md

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+---
+title: 'Train of Thought'
+date: '2012-08-22T09:04:11-04:00'
+permalink: /train-of-thought/
+tags:
+    - pondering
+    - writing
+---
+
+The funniest part of yesterday’s post — at least it’s funny to me — is how it got written: on my iPhone, on the subway. I remembered yesterday that, back when I started posting here semi-regularly again in the early summer, I began by jotting down some thoughts in this way, often standing with one elbow hooked around a pole, [trying to keep my balance](/a-constant-process-of-not-falling/). I’d finish the posts started this way once I got in front of my computer. So I thought I’d try it out again, and [yesterday’s post](/last-season-on-planned-obsolescence/) was the result.
+
+Could my train of thought literally be a train of thought?
+
+It’s more likely that these bursts of productivity on the train have to do with getting myself to start thinking before I get to my computer — in an environment with no network connectivity, where external circumstances often make it a good idea to pull inward and divert your attention from your surroundings.
+
+I usually manage that by listening to French podcasts, which require a certain kind of concentration, but writing — perhaps a couple of quick paragraphs during the trip downtown — works even better, not least for helping to train my focus where I need it before I get to the office.
+
+It’s easier to stay focused once I get there if I arrive with an idea already clearly in mind — one of those lessons that I think I need to relearn often.
+