BETTER TO ENHANCE THE POWER OF CONCENTRATION

 

Most people know the power of concentration. Experts normally cite the example of Arjuna of Mahabharat days, Gautam Buddha, Ramkrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Albert Einstein and other such luminaries in this regard. We know well about them and their exceptional achievements. It is said that the secret of success is zero or minimum distraction and optimum concentration or the art of turning all your powers on just one point at a time, of course in a positive sense. 

Ironically, it is observed that some people in every profession are interested in concentrating their mind in manipulation only for getting power and money. Is it desirable, ethical or legal?

During my session on motivation and wellness, the participants, particularly students, ask the question that they want to study, do the needful, but are unable to concentrate. Similar is the case with many people across different professions. Normally, I tell them and also make them understand through some examples about some tested ways to enhance the power of concentration. Let us elaborate and discuss.

Everybody knows that normally when sun rays fall on a piece of paper, no visible change is seen. But when sun rays are concentrated on the same piece of paper through a magnifying glass, the paper starts burning. It is nothing but the power of concentration. 

Let us take another example. One student who was facing the concentration issue in his life was given a simple looking task in front of his class-mates. The task was to take a round of the sports field by holding a glass-full of water with a condition that during the performance of that task, even one drop of water should not fall from the glass. If it falls, he will have to take another round of the field. The student happily accepted the task. Although the task was seemingly easy, the condition of not dropping even one drop of water while taking the round of the field was really difficult. Notwithstanding this big challenge, the student completed the assigned task successfully. Everybody including the teacher congratulated the student. Thereafter, the teacher asked the student whether during taking the round of the field he heard his friends cheering him constantly or he noticed what the other onlookers were saying about the challenge. The student said that he was not at all aware of what was going on around him as he was concentrating only on completing the task nicely. The teacher complimented him for showing the power of concentration and said to all the students that ignoring what is not needed to concentrate on the task at hand guarantees success in almost everything.

Swami Vivekananda said very clearly, “To me the very essence of education is concentration of mind, not the collection of facts. If I had to do my education over again, and had any voice in the matter, I would not study facts at all. I would develop the power of concentration and detachment, and then with a perfect instrument (mind) I could collect facts at will.” 

Undeniably, improvement in the power of concentration results in better performance, confidence, decision making and peace of mind. But the question is how to improve this power?

Yes, by practicing some concentration enhancement exercises daily, it becomes easier to control the fickleness of mind and improve the power of concentration. All of us can very well ensure this by incorporating breathing exercise (Pranayama) and Meditation in our daily routine. It is not difficult, provided we are genuinely interested. Saints and wise people say that Pranayama and Meditation are nothing but the proven system of enhancing the power of concentration. 

So, start it with 10-10 minutes of both – Pranayama and Meditation. Once you start getting the positive results, you would be inclined to increase the time to 20-20 minutes or more. Yes, this should be done in the morning after finishing your wash room engagements, but before taking breakfast. Starting with Anulom-Vilom Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing), which is the easiest one, is the best option. For Meditation, just sit comfortably in a meditative pose like Sukhasana by keeping your spine straight and body relaxed. Breathe in and breathe out mindfully with your eyes closed. With even 10-minutes of regular meditation for at least a month, you would feel a significant positive change in your power of concentration. 

As always, I'm keen to know what you think on this subject. Hence, I request you to post your comments to share your valuable opinion.  (hellomilansinha@gmail.com)

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