What is Concentration?
By Remez Sasson
What is concentration? What do you know about it?Concentration is the ability to direct one's attention in accordance with one's will. It means control of the attention. It is the ability to focus the mind on one subject, object or thought, and at the same time exclude from the mind every other unrelated thoughts, ideas, feelings and sensations.
It also means the ability to do one thing at a time, instead of jumping from one subject to another and losing attention, time, and energy.
Concentration is a state, in which one's whole attention is engrossed in one thing only, and being oblivious to everything else. During concentration, the mind focuses on the object of concentration, and only one thought occupies the mind. The whole energy of the mind becomes concentrated on this one thought.
The ability to command the mind and control the attention is not common, and requires training. Most people lack the ability to control their attention and focus the mind exclusively on one subject for any length of time. They can't command their mind to concentrate, whenever they want to. However, concentration is not uncommon activity. It happens almost everyday, to almost everyone, but it is more of a spontaneous and uncontrolled ability.
Have you noticed how children don't even hear you when they are playing? They become fully engrossed in their game, almost oblivious to everything else.
When you read a book that is very interesting, you do not hear people shouting or calling your name. You become oblivious to your surroundings, and lose any sense of time.
This also happens when you write an important letter, watch a movie or a game, play chess or cards, or when you are engaged in any other activity that you love doing, is interesting, or is enjoyable.
This shows that a state of concentrated attention is possible. However, true concentration is different. It is a more of a conscious and intended process, in which you focus your mind at will, whenever you want, on whatever subject, for a certain period of time, not just for a few seconds. It is the ability to focus the mind not only on pleasurable and enjoyable things and activities that you love, but also on your chores and tasks, on your work or studies, and on boring and uninteresting things that you need or have to do.
Do you now know a little more what is concentration?Being able to concentrate the mind is crucial for success in every area of life, in material and financial matters, self-improvement and spirituality. It helps you avoid being distracted, and saves you time and energy. You need it for handling your daily affairs of life, for pursuing your goals, for developing new habits and abilities, and for meditation and gaining inner peace.
I have pointed out the importance and benefits of concentration in many of my articles, offered concentration exercises, as well as mentioned the importance of willpower and self-discipline for strengthening this ability.
Source:
http://www.successconsciousness.com/what-is-concentration.html
