I had this simple question when I was a little boy. Teachers told me to focus on studying, but “how can I focus?” Most people didn’t learn how to, but managed somehow in their own way. Don’t you think it is a good idea to teach at school? I kept searching for a training method. It was not taught in a school, but in a temple, in 1992.
One of the biggest problems of losing focus is the random and endless thoughts in your mind. It will constantly distract you from what you want to focus on. The thoughts will pop up like short video content on social media networks. The curious videos, carefully chosen based on your browsing preferences, will be continuously displayed as long as you scroll. You will need to become aware that it is you who is scrolling, unless you keep watching what they want to show you.
There is a practice to increase concentration
There is a simple meditation practice called shamatha in Sanskrit, shyiné in Tibetan, or Shikan in Japanese. You will learn to focus on one point or object. Thoughts will arise, but we practice not to engage with them. You will not be bothered by your auto-generated thoughts. You gain control over your mind. It is the training to make your mind clearer and sharper. Then, it is easy to focus on one thing in this crystal clear mind. The intensity of focus is not comparable with the uncontrolled mind.
negative thoughts cannot control you anymore
If you achieve this skill, there is a big bonus other than increasing focus. You won’t be bothered by negative thoughts. It is the negative thoughts that make us overthink and become exhausted. When you feel tired, please check your body and mind. Is the mind tired or the body is tired? If you can move normally, the body is not tired yet. Most people feel tired because their minds are overworked.
If it is the case, you will find complete rest in this meditation. Actually, there are more big bonuses, but it is more joyful if you find them yourself. So let’s go find the reset state, by Zen alignment and energy practice.