# TMI Distraction TMI Distraction is competing mental or sensory content that draws attention away from the meditation object by degrees. ## Meaning In TMI, distraction exists on a continuum. Subtle distraction remains in the background while attention is still mostly with the meditation object. Gross distraction pushes the meditation object into the background. If distraction captures attention strongly enough, the meditator forgets the intention to attend, and mind-wandering follows. The response is not shame. The response is recognition, correction, and renewed intention. ## Source Of Meaning This note is grounded in The Mind Illuminated Ten Stages overview, Seven Problems, and Moments of Consciousness model, especially PDF pp. 42-46, 126-127, 193-217, and 239-263. ## Relationship Over Time This meaning should help Joe identify drift earlier and more kindly. ## Links - [[The Mind Illuminated Meaning Guide]] - [[The Mind Illuminated Meaning Map]] - [[TMI Stable Attention]] - [[TMI Introspective Awareness]] - [[TMI Dullness]] - [[TMI Intention]] - [[Mental Well-being]] - [[Joe]] ## Tensions Distraction can be treated as failure. In TMI, noticing distraction is part of how the system learns to return. ## Question What kind of distraction is present: subtle, gross, forgetting, or full mind-wandering?