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Meditation
Support
Ten
Things That Will Increase Your Concentration
1. Concentrate
Without Physical Tension:
Many new meditators, in an effort to concentrate more deeply, tense
the muscles in their body. Deep concentration, however, is possible
only in a state of relaxation.
2. Relax
Your Body: To concentrate effectively, you need to start by
relaxing the body. A very effective way to release stored-up bodily
tension is to inhale and tense the whole body, and then release
the tension as you exhale. Yogananda recommended practicing this
exercise, Tensing and Relaxing,
as well as the Regular Breathing technique before meditation.
3. Pray Before
You Meditate: This will help you remember why you are meditating!
You will also be inviting the Divine, or your Higher Self, to help
you in your practice.
4. Sit Perfectly
Still: Moving your body the slightest amount sends energy, or
life-force, into the muscles. Since the purpose of yoga is to draw
your energy inward, any physical movement reduces your effort because
it draws your energy and awareness into the body. To keep yourself
from fidgeting during meditation, try thinking of your body as a
rock—solid and unmoving.
5. Sit Longer:
Your restlessness will subside the longer you sit in meditation.
Even a glass of muddy water becomes clear in time, if the water
is allowed to sit undisturbed.
6. Keep Your
Eyes Gently Raised: The point between the eyebrows, or spiritual
eye, is the seat of concentration in the body, and whenever we need
to concentrate deeply, we naturally focus there. It is very beneficial
to keep the eyes lifted, without strain, during meditation. If you
do, you will notice an improvement in your concentration.
7. Consciously
Withdraw the Energy From the Body: Practice the Hong-Sau Meditation
Technique; it is one of the most sacred techniques of yoga because
of its ability to interiorize and focus the mind.
8. To Develop
Concentration, Do One Thing at a Time, and Do it Well: Practicing
concentration in daily life will help you concentrate better during
meditation.
9. Concentrate
with Interest: When you really want something, it is difficult
not to think about it! Concentrate with interest on
whatever you do, and you will find yourself absorbed in it.
10. Pray
for Concentration and Devotion: Sincerity means having the support
of one's whole being. Pray for sincerity of effort in your meditation
practice!
Next: Meditation
for Calming the Senses
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