So much has been written about improving concentration. The techniques included- from being mindful to eating walnuts and avocados….. It has been said that to increase concentration, engage in following-

1. Increase the strength of your focus gradually. …
2. 2. Create a distraction to-do list. …
3. 3. Build your willpower. …
4. 4. Meditate. …
5. 5. Practice mindfulness throughout the day. …
6. 6. Exercise (your body). …
7. 7. Memorize stuff. …
8. 8. Read long stuff slowly.

In this very distracted world it’s even more difficult yet imperative to find focus. There are experts in neuroscience who create such techniques. How can I even try?

Uni-tasking, contemplating, Self-Care, Japa, and being mindful are the techniques that I have used and have helped me a lot. These are not ‘my’ creation yet I have tried to make them my own.

In my humble attempt, slightly different techniques that my mind has created to apply to myself, and may be offshoot of known methods-

1. His Light-periodically closing my eyes and nourishing myself with His divine light. I may be at home or at work but this ‘exercise’ takes me to His realm where there is nothing except His presence. The mind becomes devoid of all distractions. The only thing that exists in that space is His light. Even few minutes of this brings calm and quietude to my mind which is then ready to navigate samsara while staying focused as my purpose becomes clear.
2. Green Space- in the morning I spend few minutes looking out at the nature that unfolds in the yard- whether it’s the snow or the howling winds; whether it’s the perennial green of juniper and pine trees or the flash of color from red cardinal or blue jay; or the music of torrential rains. The mind bows in gratitude at His presence in nature and feels replenished to stay focused throughout the day.
3. Time- Space Capsule- for past many years, I have always kept ‘Alone time’ in my daily schedule.When I am done with my morning and evening responsibilities, twice a day I spend quality time with myself, alone in the self-created Time- Space capsule. Oh it’s nothing fancy like Prometheus in Alien series. It’s a place where I can read, write, introspect and reflect without interruptions. fortunately my family respects that time- Space. Creating this ‘ritual’ has nourished my soul. Of course when the mind is fulfilled and happy it stays focused.

Distraction is just an excuse for us, to not follow the path of Shreyas. Having healthy relationship with social media or avoiding it altogether, has created more space for what’s important in life. One of my friends sent this today morning-

“You can not upload love

you can not download time

google can not give all the answer in life

so just log in to reality

and you will like the status of your life .”