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By Steve Gillman
Can Mindfulness Give You Better Concentration?
Imagine how much more productive you would be if you could have total concentration whenever you wished. The good news is you can learn how to concentrate better. In fact, you can do so right now, using a simple mindfulness exercise.
Concentration Is Automatic
When you start working on something, concentration is automatic, at least until you are distracted, usually by your own thoughts. That may be every few seconds for some of us, but what if you had a method of removing the distractions, of controlling your wandering mind? The first step towards that is cultivating mindfulness, an awareness of what's going on in and around you. Then, as you deal with each distraction, and clear your mind, you have easy and complete concentration.
Mindfulness For The Inside
You start by simply paying attention to what is going on in your head, to the best of your ability. Is there a phone call you need to make, that has been quietly bothering you all day, just below consciousness? Perhaps you are worried about an upcoming meeting. Tune in to your mind. This may be difficult at first, but even after one day of doing this, you'll notice it becoming easier.
As you become aware of these stressors, large and small, you will do something with them to let them go for the moment. For example, make that phone call, or make a note in your appointment book, and your mind will usually let go of the concern for now. Just bringing a problem to full consciousness and telling yourself something like, "There is nothing I can do about this until Friday," will often stop the unconscious worrying.
After doing these mindfulness exercises a few times, you'll find it becomes easier to recognize what is just below the surface, irritating you and sapping your brain power and concentration. Do what works for you to set these mind irritations aside, and you will think more clearly.
Mindfulness For The Outside
Stephen King happily writes with loud music on, so what distracts each of us, or doesn't, is obviously personal and somewhat unique. Stop, be here now, and pay attention. Whatever it is that takes your mind away from the task at hand, do something about it. Turn off the television, feed your empty stomach, or turn your desk away from the window.
Practice even more with a good mindfulness meditation, and it will all start to get easier. Take care of the external and the internal distractions, and you'll be able to focus your attention and brain power like a spotlight. That's worth a little effort, isn't it?
Steve Gillman has meditated and studied meditation for over twenty years. You can visit his website, and subscribe to The Meditation Newsletter at: http://www.TheMeditationSite.com/newsletter.html
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