The Concentration Exercise

[…] Concentration Exercise – Learn to Improve your Concentration […]

I tried this concentration exercise and I must admit that it was difficult for me at first. I ended up just trying to do 10 and now, after a few days of doing this exercise before I go to bed I am now at 40! Thanks for sharing this.

Ditto, this concentration exercise is a great mind-warm up as I call it before I meditate. I would usually countdown from 60 visualizing the numbers passing thru a screen and watch as it fades from the frame as well. The moment I finish, I no longer have any notion of how much time have elapsed. I just sat there.

Interesting. This is the first time I have heard of a concentration exercise. This looks like something I can try out later. Thank you so much.

Because I am a mother I am always thinking in my mind, “how can this help the kids?” I got to thinking that this would really help a lot of those children out there who struggle with ADHD. I like that it is progressive in that you increase as you improve. I think that at my next Girl Scout meeting I may have to give these tricks a try with the kids! I think that they would like it and it would offer them the ability early in life to concentrate and meditate.
Becca

I think that this is such an important thing to do! Too many people do not understand the medical benefits to meditation. It is a powerful thing and I always recommend that my patients give it a try!

this looks like more of a beginers exercise.
i find it very easy to do. i have read this one before, but it was to cure insomnia.
you do the regular countdown, and at the same time visualize your day as if you have a camera,
you will probably get to zero before you finish, so then start up from 2 a ll the way up to the number
you started. not trying to take away from the original exercise, just thought would add something to it.

Hello carm, thanks for the comment!

You are correct in saying that it is a beginner’s exercise. When we teach meditation the Concentration Exercise is considered the prerequisite. We have multiple ways to practice this, including going by 3s, 7s, or whatever you like. However, going forward is generally too easy and most can do that while still allowing their mind to wander.

Which brings me to your suggestion,

and at the same time visualize your day as if you have a camera,
you will probably get to zero before you finish

This idea to “visualize your day” is also a wonderful way to practice visualization and it is something that I teach people to do at the end of each day when they turn in to bed at night. But not at the same time as the numbers. We are not looking to multitask here! 🙂

The key to the Concentration Exercise is to ONLY focus on visualizing the numbers. See each clearly, giving yourself a few seconds to “see” the shape of each and every number.

The goal is less about getting through to zero as much as it is to improve your ability to focus your mind on ONE THING, and see in your mind’s eye, what you choose and nothing more. Getting through to zero, without losing track even once, is a way to measure your ability to stay on that one thing. Is it from 20? 100? 500?

Here is a more detailed article for those interested.

shifu

Thank you for the comment, and clarification!! very well put.

Carmen

You’re very welcome.

Nice and thanKs a lot..

You’re welcome.