August 23, 2009: Working on concentration (Meditation teleclass)
Concentration, concentration! Focus, focus! These are the words we repeat to ourselves frequently when we worry about the much-promoted benefits of meditation practice -- or more generally, when we push ourselves to do what we think we have to do. It is true that concentration -- that is being focused -- helps with just about any activity in life: our job, homework, relationships, hobbies, and so on. Even slicing veggies for dinner requires some focus, lest we cut ourselves.
But why most of us have trouble concentrating? Is it because we do not push ourselves enough? Is it because we have unrealistic expectations about what is possible? Is it because we are frequently confused about what we really want? Is it because we have conflicting emotions at war inside?
Have you seen a baby learning to walk? Does she have a problem focusing on her task? Our concentration tends to be proportionate to the desire we have to do an activity. (It also tends to be inversely proportionate to the negative thoughts that block our forward movement toward what we want, such as "I am not good enough," "I am not capable enough," etc.) If you want something, the focus you have while pursuing the object of your desire is the evidence of the strength of your desire. If you want something bad enough, you will make an effort to get it, which requires focus. Strong desire equals strong concentration.
Common excuses for a subpar meditation practice are "I can't concentrate," or "I don't have time," or "I can't sit still." What are these excuses? Are they really about wanting to practice meditation? Or are they the evidence that we are forcing the practice, going upstream -- because we know that meditation is "good for you and you should do it."
Is going against our nature, against the grain a good idea? As they say, if we love what we do, money will follow! Money is energy, energy is focus, focus is concentration. I have never seen a meditation practitioner -- someone who really wants to practice meditation -- have a problem with concentration. He or she may have to work on it, may be challenged by it -- but will have no problem with it.
So, how do we develop a strong wanting for strong concentration? First of all we must realize that we cannot manufacture desires easily. Desires are either part of our nature or evolve from natural contrast in our life. Therefore, this is a bit of a "How do we put a cart in front of the horse?" type of question. If we do not have a strong desire to do something, it is natural -- and so be it! Yet, if we have a desire to have more desire, we can cultivate it by putting serious time into the practice -- and do it without worrying about having results normally expected in 5 years after merely a week of meditation practice.
So relax, concentration is not important. Figuring out where your heart is-- and following it -- is. Concentration will naturally come from following your bliss!
Since working on your concentration skills requires a realistic idea about what is possible, a competent, trustworthy teacher (mentor, coach) can help a lot -- by setting up a realistic timetable and a reasonable structure for your practice. Got such a teacher? If yes, then relax and go with the flow because you have your desire and have your guidance -- the concentration will come and you will get a great satisfaction in due time!
Copyright (c) Dr. Anatole Ruslanov
