CHAPTER 05

GET CONCENTRATED

Thoughts are like a long forgotten currency. With them, we exchange an energy that enriches the world. Make no mistake, positive thoughts create positive results. We do get what we focus on. So that’s the good news.

Problems arise because so many of us are unable to focus. Twenty percent of United States residents are estimated to have the disruptive behavioral disorder known as AD/HD. It saps attention and increases hyperactive behavior. It’s tough to sort through the information age and stay focused. Our modern society keeps up a steady stream of distractions.

Our phones are loaded with apps, our iPods are bumping raps, our cars are chirping warnings about tire pressure or open doors and catchy ads are unavoidable even in grocery checkout lines. Everywhere we turn, a red flag is waving to capture our attention. Notice I didn’t even mention the ever-present media, where we can choose to give our concentration to hundreds of channels of TV, satellite radio, blockbuster movies, addictive video games, music videos, micro-niche magazines and e-books.

The end result is that concentration is a skill we are slowly losing. That’s not good because focus is a key to a more fulfilling life. The more we are able to concentrate on positive thoughts, the deeper we focus on our goals, the more often we repeat an affirmation, the clearer we experience a visualization, the better off we become in manifesting our new, desired reality.

Thoughts are also physiologically tied to our body. When an idea creates a mood or feeling, our bodies in turn generate hormones and chemical compounds that, depending on the type of thought, can be stress relieving or stress inducing. Literally a positive thought can set off a chain reaction throughout the body, that in turn releases positive or negative energy into the universe.

Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus. —Alexander Graham Bell

A simple magnifying glass will prove the point. On a sunny day light energy warms our skin and bathes the earth in energy. Surrounding our planet is the marvelous atmosphere, which helps refract sun rays. But the lens of a magnifying glass will refocus diffused light rays into a bright point, a potent beam that when held steady, can quickly start fire.

Light is just another form of energy. Just like our thoughts.

A single, random thought doesn’t hold much power. Not unlike sparks rising from a campfire, ephemeral and random thought energy streaks brightly and burns out quickly. Yet thought energy moves rapidly and easily combines with other forms of energy, especially other thoughts. This natural tendency allows pure and repeated thought energy to refocus to a point just like the light rays in that magnifying glass.

When a thought is concentrated, intensified, held and repeated, and combined, it acquires enough power to set off a lightning quick chain reaction of energy transformation. Through this reaction, concentrated thoughts naturally attempt to set in motion the wheels that allow them to manifest, to become real. The key is focus.

The secret to success in any human endeavor is total concentration. — Kurt Vonnegut

But teaching ourselves to focus regularly and on command requires practice. Like any skill, it takes time to develop and master. Exercise concentration in our minds like we would lift weight to build a muscle. The more often we utilize our powers of focus, the clearer we see and more insightful we become.

Developing concentration takes a bit of work. Our minds are used to wandering and alighting wherever they choose. Contemplation is one of the best techniques available to correct the undisciplined mind. With it, we are also able to dive deeper and explore the implications, rationale and purpose for our chosen topic. So here we go. First choose a topic.

For this sample, let’s say our topic is, “thought energy can materialize.” Set a timer for five minutes. That is the minimum we require for this self study exercise. Ten minutes is the maximum.

Begin to examine the statement. Think deeply. Lead your mind with questions like, “how if true would this affect me? What are the global implications? Have I ever registered evidence of this phenomenon?”

Stay with your contemplation like a fisherman with a fish on the line. Don’t let your mind wriggle off the hook. Give it some room to run, but if your mind attempts to take off, gently but firmly reel it back in.

Your mind will start to wander. Until you begin to master your concentration, the mind may pop twenty-five irrelevant thoughts into a five-minute study period.

As you notice the diversion, dismiss it and pick up in the contemplation where you left off. As you start to feel bored or over the topic or start to squirm, ignore these feelings and refocus your mind back to your contemplation. Above all, stay with it until the timer has rung. Your mind isn’t used to that sort of discipline and direction and it resists early.

But you are now directing your mind, instead of allowing it to control your agenda. Powerful thinking begins with practice, but by purposefully seeking knowledge and enhancing your awareness, your powers of concentration will bring forth truths and revelations of deep and gratifying understanding.

Disciplined thinking doesn’t come easy. It’s like training a puppy. Take command, praise positive steps. Immediately put a stop and gradually eliminate undesired actions.