Art of ConcentrationAt times we say to ourselves ‘I must concentrate to finish this job’, we know there are many times and situations within our daily life where it is necessary to concentrate to complete job in hand. But how many of us really know how to concentrate, how to shutout all distractions around us, how to be consciously aware of task in front of us. The psychologists suggest that a man thinks of sex once every 30 seconds, which means of course he can concentrate on little else. And it is also a fact that when we do concentrate it is quite often on a subject that is no good for us and has no lasting benefits.
Yet we all instinctively know that if we are able to concentrate completely upon a subject it would be achieved quickly and with a minimum of distraction. In fact in those rare moments when we do completely concentrate time itself seems to contract, there is also an inner sense of joy and accomplishment whenever task is completed.
Some call concentration an Art and being so it can be learnt and practiced, although lessons and methods are fairly easy they do require a sense of discipline, but if mastered benefits will be apparent throughout your life. Concentration also has an aspect about which most people are unaware, that is, when in deep concentration we are also connected more closely with our subconscious. This in itself can bring much understanding into our life. Many religious and philosophical practices are designed in order to stop our conscious mind being aware of many distractions around us while contemplating, their procedures all have one purpose of creating a deep connection initially to subconscious and then to higher spiritual realms. When we can fully concentrate upon a subject or a moment in time this connection opens and becomes available to us.
Closely associated with concentration is willpower, relationship is totally dependent without one you cannot have other. Think of an athlete in an Olympic running final, his willpower has sustained him in his goal of reaching final and eventually winning. But it is at that moment just before whistle blows where he needs his full concentration, if he allows distractions then all will be lost, other competitors and all spectators must be blocked from his mind. There are many other situations with which I'm sure you can imagine where both willpower and concentration are needed in equal parts.
We all have abilities and talents that we rarely use to fullest potential, we often think if I could just concentrate that little bit more I might make a success of this particular project, although this article can barely do subject of concentration justice, following exercises may be a starting point from which you begin a journey of self-discovery.
We could apply concentration to each task that we performed during day, this in itself would be beneficial, we would begin to experience an inner calm in increasing chaotic world around us. Yet where power of concentration can really help is when we apply it to a particular project or aspect in our life, a goal or desire that we wish to manifest. Thoughts have power, we know that when people experience fear, anxiety or worry, body can react, hair can turn gray, hearts can stop. In equal measure thoughts of happiness and joy can light up our life. So power of concentration can best be used on goals and desires that enhance our lives, using concentration in such a way allows us to create our own reality we take control of our life.